Page 7 - LSU_Winter_2018_Magazine_REV

Reducing Stress and Boosting Prenatal and Postnatal Resilience
Studies have shown that high levels
of psychological stress and inadequate support can a ect the health of pregnant and new mothers, fetal development and infant birth outcomes. Gloria Giarratano, APRN, CNS, PhD, Professor of Nursing, is studying interventions to promote positive mental health and resilience among women during pregnancy and a er childbirth.
“Such interventions are especially applicable during times of disaster recovery but could be useful for all women experiencing high stress or anxiety during the childbearing year,” explains Dr. Giarratano. “A colleague and I are piloting the CALM pregnancy support group as an intervention designed for use in post-disaster communities to build mental health resilience, strengthen psychosocial support systems and integrate
future disaster preparation. It’s also appropriate for any women who want to learn more about mental health self- care to promote healthy pregnancies.”
A er Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Giarratano and colleagues conducted three studies to capture experiences of women who’d been pregnant during and a er the disaster. Through this research,
she exposed the nursing challenges
of working a er widespread urban devastation and revealed the need for extensive psychosocial support and mental health care within prenatal care
systems as well as improved disaster preparation for women returning to live in disaster-prone communities.
Currently conducting community-based participatory research with Healthy Start New Orleans to learn what community interventions are most needed, Dr. Giarratano says that her goal is positive mental health for all pregnant women.
“It is achievable through psychoeducational interventions – being aware of myths of motherhood and sources of stress; strategies such as mindfulness breathing, meditation, exercise and nutrition; and using available resources – like family, friends and health professionals – for support.”
Gloria Giarratano, APRN, CNS, PhD Professor of Nursing
EDUCATION.RESEARCH.PRACTICE.SERVICE. 5