PhD Study : Fear of Breastfeeding: EMDR therapy for women with previous negative or traumatic breastfeeding experiences

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Summary

We know from the literature that many women have negative and disempowering breastfeeding experiences and may feel wounded by their lack of success in achieving their breastfeeding goal. The term ‘trauma’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘wound’. Eye Movement De-sensitization And Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy may enable women to process the previous experience and be open to another attempt at mastering the behaviour with their subsequent baby. Exploring EDMR as a therapy for birth related trauma is timely as little is known about the effects of applying the therapy during pregnancy, childbirth and the early postnatal period (Baas et al. 2017).

This study is focused on mothers who had a previous negative breastfeeding experience and whose level of fear prevents engagement in the behaviour again.

Method

Quasi-experimental Sample Women who had a previous negative breastfeeding experience and are pregnant again will be recruited using social media and invited to take part in the study. Power analysis will be used to estimate the sample size.

Data collection approaches

The first stage of the study will be exploratory and descriptive using online survey, live chat and email communication to gauge an understanding of the factors surrounding women’s previous negative breastfeeding experience. A sub sample of women who complete the online data collection and are willing to support the intervention arm of the study will be invited to take part in the next stage of the study where they will have pre-birth measures of anxiety and trauma taken prior to being randomised into receiving either treatment as usual (TAU) or EMDR therapy. Intervention arm Traumatic factors will be identified and an intervention provided using early EMDR interventions (EEI) therapy sessions x3. These sessions will be delivered by specifically trained health professionals.  Post birth data will be collected and repeat measures applied.

Outcomes

This study will provide evidence of the effectiveness of EMDR as a suitable intervention for reducing trauma associated with previous breastfeeding experience, through the use of the early EMDR intervention model. The main outcome is breastfeeding behaviour and resolution of negative thinking focused on breast feeding behaviour.

Data analyses

Data analyses will include qualitative and quantitative measures.

Student profile

We are looking for a top quality graduate with a background in midwifery, psychiatry or psychology. The candidate must have training in research methods and preferably have experience of using social media for research.

Suggested reading in preparation for interview

Baas, M. A. M., Stramrood, C. A. I., Dijksman, L. M., de Jongh, A., & van Pampus, M. G. (2017). The OptiMUM-study: EMDR therapy in pregnant women with posttraumatic stress disorder after previous childbirth and pregnant women with fear of childbirth: design of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 8(1), 1293315.

Beck CT, Watson S  (2008) Impact of birth trauma on breast-feeding: a tale of two pathways. Nurs Res. 57 (4):228-36. doi: 10.1097/01.NNR.0000313494.87282.90.

Bowles, B.C., 2011. Promoting breastfeeding self-efficacy: Fear appeals in breastfeeding management. Clinical Lactation, 2(1), pp.11-14. Dennis, C.L., 2003. The breastfeeding self‐efficacy scale: Psychometric assessment of the

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
20th or 21st March 2018

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018

Applying

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