白鹭洲书院山长欧阳守道生卒年考

欧阳守道是我国南宋著名的教育家,但由于其生平事迹记载较少,乃至其生卒年尚不明确,故而引发各种说法。文章例举了现今有关欧阳守道生卒年的一些说法,分析了其产生的可能原因,并引用史料进行了考证。认为欧阳守道应生于1208年,而卒于1272年。     

从生源危机谈地方高校建设

根据资料分析认为,近年来随着高校的快速扩张与高中教育发展较缓及人口等因素,导致高校生源急剧减少,地方一般本科院校面临着生源的潜在危机。进一步分析了生源危机的原因,提出一些有效的应对措施,希望有助于地方本科院校的生存和发展。     

Another Breastfeeding Controversy

In this column, the editor of The Journal of Perinatal Education discusses the latest breastfeeding controversy—a new doll that is intended to help little girls learn to breastfeed. The goal of the doll’s manufacturers is to spread the word that breastfeeding is a normal, natural way to feed a baby. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the positive health benefits associated with breastfeeding. But not everyone seems to agree. Pros and cons are presented. The editor also describes the contents of this issue, which offer a broad range of resources, research, and inspiration for childbirth educators in their efforts to promote natural, safe, and healthy birth.     

Being a resource for both mother and child: fathers' experiences following a complicated birth

The aim of this study was to describe fathers' experiences of being present on a postnatal ward and during the first days at home following a complicated birth. Fifteen fathers were interviewed, and content analysis was used for the analysis. The theme illustrated that fathers were a resource for both mother and child through practical and emotional engagement. The categories describe how the father empowers the mother and illustrates adapting to new family roles. Following complicated birth, fathers should be invited to stay around-the-clock on postnatal wards because it gives them the opportunity to place their resources at the disposal of mother and child. In antenatal courses, fathers should be prepared for their empowering role after a complicated birth.     

Serum lipids and malondialdehyde levels in primiparous patients with pregnancy induced hypertension

Background  Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) contributes to 15.6% maternal mortality in India. In Behrampur, Orissa, maternal deaths due to PIH was 32%, which is twice the national incidence. Hence in this population, some factors associated with severity of PIH were studied. Serum lipid concentrations and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were correlated with severity of PIH and birth weight of the neonate. Patients & Methods  70 primiparous PIH patients and 20 healthy controls were studied. Serum lipids and MDA were estimated. Maternal blood pressures and birth weights of the neonate were recorded. Results and Conclusion  Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL and MDA were significantly elevated in primiparous PIH patients when compared to control subjects. Average birth weight of babies born to mothers with PIH was less than those born to control subjects. The most significant factor was that in this geographical area, 26% of the primiparous patients with PIH were below 20 years of age while only 15% of the controls were less than 20 years, indicating that younger maternal age was a contributing factor to PIH.     

Research Summaries for Normal Birth

In this column, the author summarizes research studies relevant to normal birth. The studies summarized include a large trial evaluating the effect of prior vaginal births after a cesarean on outcomes in subsequent births; a study linking umbilical cord blood pH with intellectual outcomes in childhood; and a prospective trial evaluating the effect of routine antenatal nonstress testing on maternal anxiety. The author also highlights four articles about normal birth in a recent nursing journal series dedicated to the topic.     

Research Summaries for Normal Birth

In this column, the authors summarize four research studies relevant to normal birth. Topics of the studies summarized include the harms of screening for macrosomia late in pregnancy, the risk factors for and impact of postpartum pain in childbearing women, the effects of a breastfeeding approach called “biological nurturing” on reflexive behavior in newborns, and the effects of prenatal yoga on labor and birth outcomes.     

Research Summaries for Normal Birth

In this column, the author summarizes four research studies relevant to normal birth. The studies summarized include a systematic review of trials evaluating the benefits versus harms of routine artificial rupture of the membranes; a study of the effect of continuous female labor support by a minimally trained family member or friend on attachment and early parenting; a systematic review examining the relationship between cesarean surgery and postpartum urinary incontinence; and a randomized controlled trial of warm perineal compresses during the second stage of labor.     

Preparing for the First Birth: Mothers' Experiences at Home and in Hospital in Australia

The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of a group of first-time mothers who had given birth at home or in hospital in Australia. Data were generated from in-depth interviews with 19 women and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. One of the categories to emerge from the analysis, “Preparing for Birth,” is discussed in this article. Preparing for Birth consisted of two subcategories, “Finding a Childbirth Setting” and “Setting Up Birth Expectations,” which were mediated by beliefs, convenience, finances, reputation, imagination, education and knowledge, birth stories, and previous life experiences. Overall, the women who had planned home births felt more prepared for birth and were better supported by their midwives compared with women who had planned hospital births.     

Charlotte's Birth

A young mother shares her story of normal birth at home. Her story includes a thank-you letter written to Ina May Gaskin, who shared her wisdom in her book, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.