Date of Award

4-21-2021

Document Type

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Lisa VanGetson APRN, DNP, FNP-C

Second Advisor

Briana Darcy APRN, DNP, FNP-C

Abstract

Stress during pregnancy can lead to many adverse health effects for both the pregnant mother and her developing child. Pregnant women who are experiencing homelessness experience heightened levels of stress and are at an increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and postpartum depression. Mindfulness practices including prenatal yoga and meditation can be used to reduce stress and improve health and wellness for pregnant women, although homeless women face many barriers in accessing wellness services. This DNP/FNP scholarly project developed and implemented a low-barrier mindfulness program for pregnant women living in an emergency shelter in a midwestern urban area. Evaluation of the program indicated that short mindfulness practices, integrated into the existing shelter routine, was preferable to a designated mindfulness group. Participants gave positive verbal and written feedback about yoga and mindfulness and expressed interest in further mindfulness practices including aromatherapy.

Identifier

SC 11.DNP.2021.Thor.E

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