The theme of this issue is pharmacology. Two of the articles in the perinatology section focus on marijuana/cannabis use in pregnancy. As states continue to legalize its use, we as healthcare providers are an important source of information on its effects in pregnancy. Everly Macario and Rosita Thomas used focus groups and bulletin board discussions to understand reproductive-aged women's marijuana use, believes, and attitudes. The women in their study reported preference for hearing from other women about marijuana use experiences.
Another group of researchers (Joseph-Lemon, Thompson, Verostick, Shizuka Oura, and Jolles) used the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) Perinatal Data Registry to examine outcomes of cannabis use during pregnancy. This study is important because it brings to focus the midwifery-led model of care. It also presents data that demonstrate that socially vulnerable populations disclosed higher rates of cannabis use during pregnancy.
Standard et al also used the AABC Perinatal Data Registry to examine the use and efficacy of progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth within midwifery-led care. The article provides an excellent review of the use of progesterone for preterm birth in the United States and compares national data with AABC data.
Another study in this issue asked women what methods of pain relief in labor they desire and compared it with what methods they actually used. Women were then asked whether they were satisfied with their choices. The setting for this study was an associated freestanding birth center with certified nurse-midwives as the care providers. The authors conclude that it is key for providers to best prepare women with realistic expectations.
The continuing education article is a thorough review of treatments and clinical guidelines for perinatal depression. The authors introduce the reader to clinical guidelines developed by professional associations/groups. They then discuss both pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies for perinatal depression. As the treatment landscape is ever-changing and we learn more about the effects of pharmacological interventions on the neonate, we must continue to maintain currency in evidence-based care.
In this issue of The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing (JPNN), our focus is on principles and practices associated with pharmacology. We know that pharmacology and medication administration are extremely important parts of nursing practice. In our current issue, authors have submitted manuscripts from around the world. We hope that these articles will enrich your knowledge of a wide range of topics ranging from pain management to premedication for nonemergent intubation. We also feature an article from Finland on the usefulness of a parental electronic diary during medical rounds. While not specifically related to pharmacology, this is an important topic that will help educate our readers on the importance of family presence during rounds in the neonatal intensive care unit.
In this issue, we feature our third edition of the Founders Column. In this column, we highlight perspectives on the history of neonatal and perinatal nursing. Our hope is that by featuring a historical perspective, whether it be retrospective or prospective, we will gain new learnings for the future of perinatal and neonatal nursing. As always, we are grateful to all of our columnists, especially Carole Kenner, our Neonatal Expert columnist and, in this issue, Leslie Parker, our Breastfeeding/Nutrition columnist. We are always looking for new colleagues to join our JPNN community-please reach out to us if you would like to be a reviewer, editorial board member, or submit a manuscript. Thank you!
-Lynette Hamlin, PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM, FAAN
Perinatal Editor
-Katherine Gregory, PhD, RN, FAAN
Neonatal Editor