title: Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing, an Essential Framework for Maternal-Newborn Nursing.
abstract: Knowledge of the hormonal physiology of childbearing is foundational for all who care for childbearing women and newborns. When promoted, supported, and protected, innate, hormonally driven processes optimize labor and birth, maternal and newborn transitions, breastfeeding, and mother-infant attachment. Many common perinatal interventions can interfere with or limit hormonal processes and have other unintended effects. Such interventions should only be used when clearly indicated. High-quality care incorporates salutogenic nursing practices that support physiologic processes and maternal-newborn health.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sakala
authors.forename: Amy M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Romano
authors.forename: Sarah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Buckley
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D042341:Gonadal Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D033261:Maternal-Fetal Relations / Q000502:physiology*; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D036801:Parturition / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D011255:Pregnancy Maintenance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012102:Reproductive Control Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D042341:Gonadal Hormones; D012102:Reproductive Control Agents
keywords: beta-endorphins; hormonal physiology; maternal–newborn safety; onset of labor; oxytocin; perinatal interventions; precautionary principle; prolactin; stress hormones