Mindfulness and self-compassion in birth

Most of the listed research studies mindfulness-based childbirth education. Randomized trials look at mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting programs in relation to perceived stress and risk of perinatal depression, at an integrated childbirth education program and fear of childbirth, anxiety and depression, and at mindful awareness as a mechanism of change for women with high fear of childbirth. Another trial examines mindfulness training against an active comparison, and a further one compares asynchronous online with face-to-face mindfulness training for maternal mental health.

Qualitative studies describe what participants learned and how their postpartum experiences were shaped, and what Chinese women with fear of childbirth need from mindfulness-based programs. A systematic review looks at mindfulness-based interventions and cardiometabolic-related adverse pregnancy outcomes, and a randomized trial examines a mindfulness-based programme and psychological health in pregnancy.

Parents commonly ask whether mindfulness belongs in birth preparation and what a class can offer. Research on the question is still growing, and the titles vary in design. An educator may want slides that describe these approaches as one option among others. The papers below are the ones the Hub tracks on this topic.