Virtual link between mothers and infants to improve maternal c-section experience: a non-randomized controlled pilot...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Skin-to-skin contact is crucial for maternal well-being but often interrupted during cesarean births.
• Mother-infant separation in the operating room can negatively impact the childbirth experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a head-mounted display (HMD) system for maintaining visual connection between mothers and newborns during cesarean-related separation.
• To assess the impact of HMD intervention on maternal childbirth experience, satisfaction, and psychological outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A monocentric, open-label, non-randomized controlled pilot trial involving 71 mothers undergoing cesarean sections.
• Participants were assigned to either an HMD intervention group or a standard care control group.
• Maternal outcomes were assessed using validated questionnaires at one week and one month postpartum.

Main Results:

• Mothers in the HMD group reported significantly enhanced childbirth experiences and greater birth satisfaction at one week postpartum compared to the control group.
• The intervention group showed reduced childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and diminished anxiety.
• Mothers in the intervention group unanimously expressed satisfaction with the HMD technology.

Conclusions:

• Utilizing HMDs to maintain visual contact during early mother-infant separation is a feasible and acceptable strategy to improve maternal childbirth experience.
• This technology offers a valuable supportive alternative when immediate skin-to-skin contact is not possible.
• The study highlights the potential of remote technologies in enhancing maternity care and warrants further investigation.