Perceived Learning Needs of Minority Expectant Women and Barriers to Prenatal Education

Abstract

This study explored the prenatal education needs of foreign-born, Hispanic, and minority expectant mothers in the United States who received their obstetric care at a hospital-based clinic. Their perceptions also helped identify barriers to attending childbirth education classes. Fifty-nine pregnant women in their first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy participated in the study, which consisted of two separate surveys. Participants rated the importance of attending classes, as well as various topics to be covered. The cultural environment of the class, as well as the teaching strategies used for presentation of class content, needs to be considered by childbirth educators. Transportation issues and childcare were identified as being the most frequent barriers for women and families participating in prenatal education.

Pregnant Women’s Knowledge Gaps about Breastfeeding in Northern Portugal

“…These findings were similar to the results of other studies. Berman [20] reported that pregnant women ranked breastfeeding fourth among content considered most important to learn during pregnancy. In the study, 60% of first-time mothers considered breastfeeding "very important"; however, among mothers who already had one child, only 28.2% considered "very important".…”

Weight-Management Information Needs of Postpartum Women

“…Information obtained from healthcare providers is perceived as more useful and reliable than information sought on their own (Berman, 2006;Carolan, 2007). Information obtained from healthcare providers is perceived as more useful and reliable than information sought on their own (Berman, 2006;Carolan, 2007).…”

“…The enrolled sample included a relatively equal number of White and Black women and a small Women in the perinatal period report seeking information from a variety of sources, including printed material, childbirth educators, family or female friends, and trusted healthcare providers (Berman, 2006;Shieh et al, 2009). The enrolled sample included a relatively equal number of White and Black women and a small Women in the perinatal period report seeking information from a variety of sources, including printed material, childbirth educators, family or female friends, and trusted healthcare providers (Berman, 2006;Shieh et al, 2009).…”

“…Childbearing women desire information that is culturally appropriate and congruent with their life stage (Berman, 2006;Carolan, 2007). Childbearing women desire information that is culturally appropriate and congruent with their life stage (Berman, 2006;Carolan, 2007).…”

Normalizing the Changes Experienced During Each Trimester of Pregnancy

“…Instructors also have the ability to explain why certain changes occur during pregnancy, while emphasizing how women's bodies are perfectly designed to nourish and nurture their babies through pregnancy. A study by Berman (2006) found that the majority of pregnant women in the study were interested in receiving information on discomforts, emotional changes, physical changes, and expectations and beliefs during the pregnancy. Kavanaugh and Hershberger (2005) found that expectant parents misread symptoms of pregnancy complications, which may have contributed to a pregnancy loss or neonatal death.…”