Contribution of prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain to adverse neonatal outcomes: population attributable fractions for Canada.

Background: Low or high prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and inadequate or excess gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. This study estimates the contribution of these risk factors to preterm births (PTBs), small-for-gestational age (SGA) and large-for-gestational age (LGA) births in Canada compared to the contribution of prenatal smoking, a recognized perinatal risk factor.

Methods: We analyzed data from the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey.

Patterns of social inequalities across pregnancy and birth outcomes: a comparison of individual and neighborhood socioeconomic measures.

Background: This paper identifies patterns of health inequalities (consistency and magnitude) of socioeconomic disparities for multiple maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes that represent different health care needs of mothers and infants.

Methods: Using cross-sectional national data (unweighted sample = 6,421, weighted =76,508) from the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey linked with 2006 Canadian census data, we categorized 25 health indicators of mothers of singletons into five groups of MCH outcomes (A. maternal and infant health status indicators; B.

Contribution of prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain to caesarean birth in Canada.

Background: Overweight and obese women are known to be at increased risk of caesarean birth. This study estimates the contribution of prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) to caesarean births in Canada.

Methods: We analyzed data from women in the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey who had a singleton term live birth in 2005-2006.

Socioeconomic position and factors associated with use of a nonsupine infant sleep position: findings from the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey.

Objectives: With a focus on socioeconomic position, we examined the association between maternal education and nonsupine infant sleep position, and examined patterns of effect modification with additional sociodemographic, maternal, infant, and health services predictors.

Methods: Data were from the Maternity Experiences Survey, a national population-based sample of 76 178 new Canadian mothers (unweighted n = 6421) aged 15 years or older interviewed in 2006-2007. Using logistic regression, we developed multivariate models for 3 maternal education strata.

Cohort profile: The promotion of breastfeeding intervention trial (PROBIT).

The PROmotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial (PROBIT) is a multicentre, cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in the Republic of Belarus, in which the experimental intervention was the promotion of increased breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, modelled on the Baby-friendly hospital initiative. Between June 1996 and December 1997, 17,046 mother-infant pairs were recruited during their postpartum hospital stay from 31 maternity hospitals, of which 16 hospitals and their affiliated polyclinics had been randomly assigned to the arm of PROBIT investigating the promotion of breastfeeding and 15 had been assigned to the control arm, in which breastfeeding practices and policies in effect at the time of randomization was continued. Of the mother-infant pairs originally recruited for the study, 16,492 (96.

Childbirth across cultures: research and practice.

Countries and cultures differ in their approach to childbirth, as well as in their research practices. This paper examines 10 surveys of women's reports of their labor and birth in seven countries spanning North America and Western Europe and Eastern Europe. Similarities and differences in practice are highlighted, and the methodological difficulties of conducting research in cross-cultural settings are examined.

Rates of interventions in labor and birth across Canada: findings of the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey.

Background: Rates of interventions in labor and birth should be similar across a country if evidence-based practice guidelines are followed. This assumption is tested by comparison of some practices across the 13 provinces and territories of Canada. The objective of this study was to describe the wide provincial and territorial variations in rates of routine interventions and practices during labor and birth as reported by women in the Maternity Experiences Survey of the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System.

The language of birth.

Our language both reflects and influences our attitudes and behavior. This Roundtable Discussion explores the language used in obstetrics and in the interactions between caregivers and women or their families: What do practitioners say to mothers and families during labor? At birth? In consultations? To describe what is happening? To encourage a woman's efforts? To lighten the atmosphere? When advising about possible interventions? Medical terminology in perinatal care can often be deceptive or confusing, not only for mothers but for caregivers. The authors of this Roundtable, representing health professionals from different specialties and interests in the field, have examined some examples of such language use, misuse, and abuse in perinatal care.

Risk factors for preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age births among Canadian women.

Background: Preterm births (PTB) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births are distinct but related pregnancy outcomes, with differing aetiologies and short and long-term morbidities. Few studies have compared a broad array of predictors among these two outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare risk factors for PTB and SGA births using a national sample of Canadian women.

Comparison of adolescent, young adult, and adult women's maternity experiences and practices.

Background And Objective: Pregnant adolescents face unique challenges. Understanding the experiences, knowledge, and behaviors of adolescents during the pregnancy and postpartum periods may contribute to improvement of their maternity care. The purpose of this study was to compare the maternity experiences, knowledge, and behaviors of adolescent, young adult, and adult women by using a nationally representative sample.

Use of routine interventions in labour and birth in Canadian hospitals: comparing results of the 1993 and 2007 Canadian hospital maternity policies and practices surveys.

Objectives: To compare policies and practices of routine interventions in labour and birth in Canadian hospitals in 1993 and 2007 and to describe trends regarding adherence to evidence-based guidelines.

Methods: We used data from surveys of Canadian hospitals in 1993 and 2007 on routine maternity care practices and policies, including interventions in labour and birth.

Results: The response rate of hospitals in 1993 was 91% (523/572), and in 2007 it was 92% (323/353).

Comparison of maternity experiences of Canadian-born and recent and non-recent immigrant women: findings from the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey.

Objective: To compare the maternity experiences of immigrant women (recent, ≤ 5 years in Canada; non-recent > 5 years) with those of Canadian-born women.

Methods: This study was based on data from the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey of the Public Health Agency of Canada. A stratified random sample of 6421 women was drawn from a sampling frame based on the 2006 Canadian Census of Population.

Breastfeeding policies and practices in Canadian hospitals: comparing 1993 with 2007.

Background: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) promotes the World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (WHO Code) and the WHO/UNICEF's Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (Ten Steps). The purpose of this study is to describe and compare maternity hospitals' adherence to the BFHI in 1993 and 2007 for Canada and for each province and territory.

Methods: A survey of all Canadian maternity hospitals was conducted in 1993 and 2007 on routine maternity care practices and policies including infant feeding.

The experience of pregnancy and birth with midwives: results from the Canadian maternity experiences survey.

Background: In Canada maternity care is publicly funded, and although women may choose their care providers, choices may be limited. The purpose of this study was to compare perceptions of maternity outcomes and experiences of those who received care from midwives with those who received care from other providers.

Methods: Based on the 2006 Canadian census, a random sample of women (n = 6,421) who had recently given birth in Canada completed a computer-assisted telephone interview for the Maternity Experiences Survey.

Factors associated with perceived stress and stressful life events in pregnant women: findings from the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey.

Prenatal maternal stress has been linked to multiple adverse outcomes. Researchers have used a variety of methods to assess maternal stress. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare factors associated with stress in pregnancy as measured by perceived stress and stressful life events.

Giving birth in two maternity hospitals in Lithuania.

Background: In many hospitals in former Soviet countries, traditional Soviet perinatal policies remain in place, although in others reforms have been introduced. This study explores women's experiences during labor and birth in two Lithuanian maternity hospitals. The hospitals differed in that one (S) followed traditional Soviet era maternity practices whereas the other (P) had been exposed to World Health Organization-Euro practices and policies with respect to more up-to-date evidence-based and family-centered care.

Cesarean and vaginal birth in canadian women: a comparison of experiences.

Background: Many publications have examined the reasons behind the rising cesarean delivery rate around the world. Women's responses to the Maternity Experiences Survey of the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System were examined to explore correlates of having a cesarean section on other experiences surrounding labor, birth, mother-infant contact, and breastfeeding.

Methods: A randomly selected sample of 8,244 estimated eligible women stratified primarily by province and territory was drawn from the May 2006 Canadian Census.

Health and development outcomes in 6.5-y-old children breastfed exclusively for 3 or 6 mo.

Background: Despite the current World Health Organization recommendation that infants be exclusively breastfed for 6 mo, this practice remains unusual in both developed and developing countries.

Objective: The objective was to compare health and development outcomes at age 6.5 y in children who were exclusively breastfed for 3 mo (EBF3) or for 6 mo (EBF6); in the EBF3 group, the children continued partial breastfeeding for > or =6 mo.