Hora Soltani

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Professor Hora Soltani PhD, MMedSci, BSc, RM, PGDip, PGCert

Professor in Maternal and Infant Health

Summary

Hora is a Professor in Maternal and Infant Health within Health and Social Care Research.  An important feature of Hora's midwifery research is its diverse nature and collaborations with a wide range of disciplines (including Design and Technology, Health Psychology, Food and Nutrition Sciences, Obstetrics and Health Inequalities) whilst retaining a thematic integrity with the core aim of enhancing care standards and reducing health inequalities for mothers and their babies.

Hora Soltani

About

Hora has been researching in the area of Maternal and Infant Health for around 20 years, based in various clinical and academic settings. Her research has led to significant and high impact outputs, some of which have been far reaching and embraced worldwide. Her joint systematic review on the models of maternity care (which was a collaborative project with King's College London, University of Warwick and National University of Ireland, Galway), was featured as an internationally excellent impact case study in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) with evidence of it influencing maternity policy development at national and international levels.

In her endeavour to establish the Maternal and Infant Health research theme since her arrival at Hallam in 2006, Hora has led interdisciplinary teams and supervised doctoral students in research areas of high priority, some funded by prestigious funding bodies such as the Medical Research Council, the NIHR and the Burdett Trust.

Teaching

Department of Nursing and Midwifery

College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences

Health and Wellbeing
Nursing and Midwifery
Midwifery
Research and Evidence

Hora leads the Maternal, Infant and Reproductive Health Research theme at Health and Social Care Research. Hora's diverse research interests and experiences span maternal obesity, models of maternity care, postpartum haemorrhage, teenage pregnancy health and nutrition, communication of health behaviour change messages during pregnancy and breastfeeding in vulnerable women (eg women with diabetes). Both quantitative and qualitative approaches as well as systematic reviews have been the common research methodologies used in Hora's projects and working with national and international experts has led Hora to achieve a significant and high impact track record in this field.

Research

Hora leads the Maternal, Infant & Reproductive Health Research theme within Health and Social Care Research.

Hora's research interests and experiences are mainly focused on the care of vulnerable women such as perinatal care of migrant families, teenage pregnancy health and nutrition, maternal obesity as well as care organisation and clinical matters such as models of maternity care, postpartum haemorrhage, promotion of healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and breastfeeding. She uses a range of quantitative and qualitative approaches as well as systematic reviews and works collaboratively with a range of national and international experts, leading to a significant and high impact track record in this field.

Ongoing and recently completed key projects

  • Migrant Maternity Care: "ORAMMA: Operational Refugee And Migrant Maternal Approach", [Collaborative research in partnership with Greece, UK, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands & Belgium-Funded by European Commission 3rd Health Programme]
  • An evaluation of the impact of a midwife-led maternal obesity service on pregnancy outcomes and childhood obesity Funded by the Green Legacy & The Burdett Trust
  • Feasibility of infrared thermography for wound surveillance and follow up in women after Caesarean section. Funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Confidence in Concept Scheme
  • Improving outcomes for pregnant teenagers: development of a complex intervention to improve quality of diet. Multi-Centre study sites including Southampton, Manchester and Doncaster maternity units. This is a collaborative project including the University of Southampton, Sheffield Hallam University, University College London, the University of Manchester and Tommy's (The Baby Charity) Funded by MRC-PHND
  • Postnatal weight management. Funded by the NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group
  • Talking Health: Exploring experiences of health professionals and women concerning communication of health behaviour and lifestyle changes during pregnancy
  • Mobile Technology & Maternal Obesity (MOMTech), feasibility study, funded by the South Yorkshire Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC-SY) and EPSRC-Engineering for Life (EFL) and Bupa
  • The Impact of Maternal Weight on Maternal and Neonatal Health Outcomes: A Cohort Study (in Padang-Indonesia). Funded by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture in Indonesia, in collaboration with the Department of Nutrition, Andalas University and funded by British Council
  • A survey of management of the third stage of labour- Funded by the World Health Organisation (WHO)
  • Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy- Funded by HEALTHCARE UK LTD

Collaborators and sponsors

  • International Confederation of Midwives
  • World Health Organisation
  • European Midwives Association
  • Andalas University, Indonesia
  • Athen's Midwifery School-Greece
  • Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands
  • Tommy's Baby Charity
  • British Council
  • MRC-PHND
  • The Burdett Trust
  • Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Foundation Trust
  • Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust
  • Sheffield Teaching Hospitals-Jessop Wing
  • Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber (RDASH)
  • Born in Bradford 
  • University of Southampton
  • University College London
  • NIHR CLAHRC YH

Publications

Journal articles

Memon, Z., Mian, A., Ahmed, W., Jawwad, M., Muhammad, S., Noorani, A.Q., ... Soltani, H. (2024). Predictors of voluntary uptake of modern contraceptive methods in rural Sindh, Pakistan. PLOS Global Public Health, 4 (4). http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0002419

Furness, A., Fair, F., Higginbottom, G., Oddie, S., & Soltani, H. (2024). A review of the current policies and guidance regarding Apgar scoring and the detection of jaundice and cyanosis concerning Black, Asian and ethnic minority neonates. BMC Pediatrics, 24. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-024-04692-4

Okai, E., Fair, F., & Soltani, H. (2024). Neonatal transport practices and effectiveness of the use of low-cost interventions on outcomes of transported neonates in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Health Science Reports, 7 (3). http://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.1938

Fair, F., & Soltani, H. (2024). A retrospective comparative study of antenatal healthy lifestyle service interventions for women with a raised body mass index. Women and Birth, 37 (1), 197-205. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2023.08.010

Fair, F.J., & Soltani, H. (2024). Association of child weight with attendance at a healthy lifestyle service among women with obesity during pregnancy. Maternal & Child Nutrition. http://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.13629

Memon, Z.A., Tahmeena, , Fazal, S.A., Reale, S., Spencer, R., Bhutta, Z., & Soltani, H. (2024). Effective strategies for increasing the uptake of modern methods of family planning in South Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Women's Health, 24 (1). http://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02859-2

Dib, S., Fair, F., McCann, L.J., Nicholls, A., Kalea, A.Z., Soltani, H., & Fewtrell, M. (2023). Effects of exclusive breastfeeding promotion interventions on child outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism. http://doi.org/10.1159/000535564

Fair, F., & Soltani, H. (2023). Factors associated with gestational weight gain in women with morbid obesity. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 43 (2). http://doi.org/10.1080/01443615.2023.2288228

Perumal, N., Wang, D., Darling, A.M., Liu, E., Wang, M., Ahmed, T., ... Fawzi, W.W. (2023). Suboptimal gestational weight gain and neonatal outcomes in low and middle income countries: individual participant data meta-analysis. BMJ. http://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-072249

Marvin-Dowle, K., & Soltani, H. (2023). Inter-Generational Differences in Perinatal Health Behaviours: A Secondary Analysis of the Born in Bradford Cohort, Disentangling Ethnicity and Migration. Maternal and Child Health Journal. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03637-0

Cadman, V., Soltani, H., Spencer, R., Marvin-Dowle, K., & Harrop, D. (2023). Cesarean birth rates among migrants in Europe: A systematic review. Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care. http://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12718

Childs, C., Nwaizu, H., Bullivant, E., Willmott, J., Davies, M., Ousey, K., ... Jacques, R. (2023). Cutaneous perfusion dynamics of the lower abdomen in healthy normal weight, overweight and obese women: methods development using infrared thermography with applications for future wound management after caesarean section. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20 (6). http://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065100

Memon, Z.A., Mian, A., Reale, S., Spencer, R., Bhutta, Z., & Soltani, H. (2023). Community and Healthcare Provider Perspectives on Barriers and Enablers of Family Planning Use in Rural Sindh: A Qualitative Exploratory Study. JMIR Formative Research, 7. http://doi.org/10.2196/43494

Marvin-Dowle, K., Oshaghi, G., Fair, F., Ratcliffe, J., & Soltani, H. (2022). Training on cultural competency for perinatal mental health peer supporters. British Journal of Midwifery, 30 (12), 668-676. http://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2022.30.12.668

Fair, F.J., Watson, H., Marvin-Dowle, K., Spencer, R., & Soltani, H. (2022). “Everything is revolved around me being heavy … it’s always, always spoken about.” Qualitative experiences of weight management during pregnancy in women with a BMI of 40kg/m 2 or above. PLOS ONE, 17 (6). http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270470

Marshall, N.E., Abrams, B., Barbour, L.A., Catalano, P., Christian, P., Friedman, J.E., ... Thornburg, K.L. (2022). The Importance of Nutrition in Pregnancy and Lactation: Lifelong Consequences. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 226 (5), 607-632. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.035

Memon, Z.A., Reale, S., Ahmed, W., Spencer, R., Lashari, T.H., Bhutta, Z., & Soltani, H. (2022). Effects of integrating family planning with maternal, newborn, and child health services on uptake of voluntary modern contraceptive methods in rural Pakistan: protocol for a quasi-experimental study. JMIR Research Protocols, 11 (3), e35291. http://doi.org/10.2196/35291

Baker, K., Stephenson, J., Leeming, D., & Soltani, H. (2021). A review of third stage of labour care guidance. British Journal of Midwifery, 29 (10), 557-563. http://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2021.29.10.557

Marvin-Dowle, K., Soltani, H., & Spencer, R. (2021). Infant feeding in diverse families; the impact of ethnicity and migration on feeding practices. Midwifery, 103124. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2021.103124

Fair, F.J., Morrison, A., & Soltani, H. (2021). The impact of Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation: An overview of systematic reviews. Maternal & Child Nutrition. http://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.13216

Strömmer, S., Weller, S., Morrison, L., Soltani, H., Stephenson, J., Whitworth, M., ... Barker, M. (2021). Young women's and midwives' perspectives on improving nutritional support in pregnancy: The babies, eating, and LifestyLe in adolescence (BELLA) study. Social Science and Medicine, 274, 113781. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113781

Fair, F., Soltani, H., Raben, L., van Streun, Y., Sioti, E., Papadakaki, M., ... Vivilaki, V. (2021). Midwives’ experiences of cultural competency training and providing perinatal care for migrant women a mixed methods study: Operational Refugee and Migrant Maternal Approach (ORAMMA) project. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 21 (1). http://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-021-03799-1

Agbeno, E.K., Osarfo, J., Ashong, J., Anane-Fenin, B., Okai, E., Ofori, A., ... Soltani, H. (2021). Determinants of preterm survival in a tertiary hospital in Ghana: a ten-year review. PLoS One, 16 (1), 0246005. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246005

Fair, F., & Soltani, H. (2021). A meta-review of systematic reviews of lifestyle interventions for reducing gestational weight gain in women with overweight or obesity. Obesity Reviews. http://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13199

Fair, F., Marvin-Dowle, K., Arden, M., & Soltani, H. (2020). Healthy Weight Services in England before, during and after pregnancy: a mixed methods approach. . http://doi.org/10.21203/rs.2.20767/v2

Soltani, H., Watson, H., Fair, F., Burke, C., Oshaghi, G., Vivilaki, V., & Team, O.R.A.M.M.A. (2020). Improving pregnancy and birth experiences of migrant mothers: A report from ORAMMA and continued local impact. European Journal of Midwifery, 4. http://doi.org/10.18332/ejm/130796

Childs, C., & Soltani, H. (2020). Abdominal cutaneous thermography and perfusion mapping after caesarean section: A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (22).

Bhanbhro, S., Kamal, T., Widoyo, R., Lipoeto, N.I., & Soltani, H. (2020). Factors affecting maternal nutrition and health: A qualitative study in a matrilineal community in Indonesia. PLoS One, 15 (6), e0234545. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0234545

Fair, F., Raben, L., Watson, H., Vivilaki, V., van den Muijsenbergh, M., Soltani, H., & the ORAMMA team, (2020). Migrant women’s experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and maternity care in European countries: A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 15 (2), e0228378. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0228378

Marvin-Dowle, K., & Soltani, H. (2020). A comparison of neonatal outcomes between adolescent and adult mothers in developed countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology: X, 6, 100109. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurox.2020.100109

Watson, H., & Soltani, H. (2019). Perinatal mental ill health - the experiences of women from ethnic minority groups. British Journal of Midwifery, 27 (10), 642-648. http://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2019.27.10.642

Soltani, H., Marvin-Dowle, K., & Burley, V. (2019). Perspectives of youth-support professionals on encouraging healthy eating in adolescent pregnancies. Evidence Based Midwifery, 17 (3), 84-91. https://www.rcm.org.uk/media/3564/ebm-sept-19-fullcropped.pdf

Fair, F., Ford, G., & Soltani, H. (2019). Interventions for supporting the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding among women who are overweight or obese. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012099.pub2

Watson, H., Harrop, D., Walton, E., Young, A., & Soltani, H. (2019). A systematic review of ethnic minority women’s experiences of perinatal mental health conditions and services in Europe. PLOS ONE, 14 (1), e0210587. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210587

Childs, C., Wright, N., Willmott, J., Davies, M., Kilner, K., Ousey, K., ... Stephenson, J. (2019). The surgical wound in infrared: thermographic profiles and early stage test-accuracy to predict surgical site infection in obese women during the first 30 days after caesarean section. Antimicrobial resistance and infection control, 8 (7). http://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-018-0461-7

Marvin-Dowle, K., Kilner, K., Burley, V., & Soltani, H. (2018). Differences in dietary pattern by maternal age in the Born in Bradford cohort : A comparative analysis. PLOS ONE, 13 (12), e0208879.. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0208879

Rundle, R., Soltani, H., & Duxbury, A. (2018). Exploring the views of young women and their healthcare professionals on dietary habits and supplementation practices in adolescent pregnancy: a qualitative study. BMC Nutrition, 4 (45). http://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-018-0254-7

Kennedy, H.P., Cheyney, M., Dahlen, H.G., Downe, S., Foureur, M.J., Homer, C.S.E., ... Renfrew, M.J. (2018). Asking different questions: A call to action for research to improve the quality of care for every woman, every child. Midwifery, 65, 16-17. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2018.06.015

Kennedy, H.P., Cheyney, M., Dahlen, H.G., Downe, S., Foureur, M.J., Homer, C.S.E., ... Renfrew, M.J. (2018). Asking different questions: A call to action for research to improve the quality of care for every woman, every child. Birth (Berkeley, Calif.), 45 (3), 222-231. http://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12361

Kennedy, H.P., Cheyney, M., Dahlen, H.G., Downe, S., Foureur, M.J., Homer, C.S.E., ... Renfrew, M.J. (2018). Asking Different Questions: A Call to Action for Research to Improve the Quality of Care for Every Woman, Every Child. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 63 (5), 516-517. http://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.12902

Kennedy, H.P., Cheyney, M., Dahlen, H.G., Downe, S., Foureur, M.J., Homer, C.S.E., ... Renfrew, M.J. (2018). Asking different questions: A call to action for research to improve the quality of care for every woman, every child. Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, 31 (4), 242-243. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2018.06.011

Ranchordas, M., Rogerson, D., Soltani, H., & Costello, J.T. (2018). Antioxidants for preventing and reducing muscle soreness after exercise: a Cochrane systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine. http://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-099599

Fair, F., Watson, H., Gardner, R., & Soltani, H. (2018). Women’s perspectives on antenatal breast expression: a cross-sectional survey. Reproductive Health, 15 (58). http://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-018-0497-4

Marvin-Dowle, K., Kilner, K., Burley, V.J., & Soltani, H. (2018). Impact of adolescent age on maternal and neonatal outcomes in the Born in Bradford cohort. BMJ open, 8 (3), e016258. http://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016258

Ranchordas, M., Rogerson, D., Soltani, H., & Costello, J.T. (2017). Antioxidants for preventing and reducing muscle soreness after exercise. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017 (12). http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009789.pub2

Soltani, H., Lipoeto, N., Fair, F., Kilner, K., & Yustawati, Y. (2017). Pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain and their effects on pregnancy and birth outcomes: a cohortstudy in West Sumatra, Indonesia. BMC Women's Health, 17 (102), 1-9. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-017-0455-2

Soltani, H., Duxbury, A., Rundle, R., & Marvin-Dowle, K. (2017). Dietary habits and supplementation practices of young women during pregnancy: an online cross-sectional survey of young mothers and health care professionals. BMC Nutrition, 3 (1), 1-15. http://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-017-0137-3

Soltani, H., Smith, D., & Olander, E. (2017). Weight, lifestyle, and health during pregnancy and beyond. Journal of Pregnancy, 2017, 1-2. http://doi.org/10.1155/2017/4981283

Marvin-Dowle, K., Burley, V.J., & Soltani, H. (2016). Nutrient intakes and nutritional biomarkers in pregnant adolescents: a systematic review of studies in developed countries. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 16 (268), 1-24. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-1059-9

Childs, C., Siraj, M.R., Fair, F., Selvan, A., Soltani, H., Wilmott, J., & Farrell, R. (2016). Thermal territories of the abdomen after Caesarean Section birth : infrared thermography and analysis. Journal of wound care, 25 (9), 499-512. http://doi.org/10.12968/jowc.2016.25.9.499

Rogerson, D., Soltani, H., & Copeland, R. (2016). The weight-loss experience : qualitative exploration. BMC public health, 16 (371), 1-12. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3045-6

Sandall, J., Soltani, H., Gates, S., Shennan, A., & Devane, D. (2016). Midwife-led continuity models versus other models of care for childbearing women. Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2016 (4). http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004667.pub5

Soltani, H., Low, L.K., Duxbury, A., & Schuiling, K.D. (2016). Global midwifery research priorities: an international survey. International Journal of Childbirth, 6 (1), 5-18. http://doi.org/10.1891/2156-5287.6.1.5

Soltani, H., & Fair, F. (2016). Interventions for supporting the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding among women who are overweight or obese. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016 (2), CD012099. http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012099

Soltani, H., Arden, M., Duxbury, A., & Fair, F. (2016). An analysis of behaviour change techniques used in a sample of gestational weight management trials. Journal of Pregnancy, 2016, 1085916. http://doi.org/10.1155/2016/1085916

Chan, L.-.N., Soltani, H., & Hazlet, T.K. (2015). Probiotics for Neonates: Safety for Prime Time Questioned without Regulatory Changes. The Journal of Pediatrics, 166 (2), 502. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2014.10.041

Soltani, H., Duxbury, A., Arden, M., Dearden, A., Furness, P., & Garland, C. (2015). Maternal obesity management using mobile technology : a feasibility study to evaluate a text messaging based complex intervention during pregnancy. Journal of Obesity, 111 (5 pt.2), 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/814830

Sandall, J., Soltani, H., Gates, S., Shennan, A., & Devane, D. (2015). Midwife-led continuity models versus other models of care for childbearing women. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (9), CD004667. http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd004667.pub4

Rogerson, D., Soltani, H., & Copeland, R. (2015). Undergraduate UK nutrition education might not adequately address weight management. Public Health Nutrition, 19 (2), 371-381. http://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980015001305

Soltani, H., Duxbury, A.M.S., Rundle, R., & Chan, L.N. (2015). A systematic review of the effects of dietary interventions on neonatal outcomes in adolescent pregnancy. Evidence Based Midwifery, 13 (1), 29-34.

Furness, P., Arden, M., Duxbury, A., Hampshaw, S., Wardle, C., & Soltani, H. (2015). Talking about weight in pregnancy: An exploration of practitioners' and women's and perceptions. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 5 (2), 89. http://doi.org/10.5430/jnep.v5n2p89

Soltani, H., Fair, F., & Hakimi, S. (2015). Reduction in global maternal mortality rate 1990–2012 : Iran as a case example. Midwifery, 31 (2), 271-273. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2014.11.009

Soltani, H., Duxbury, A.M.S., Arden, M.A., Dearden, A., Furness, P.J., & Garland, C. (2015). Maternal Obesity Management Using Mobile Technology: A Feasibility Study to Evaluate a Text Messaging Based Complex Intervention during Pregnancy. Journal of obesity, 2015, 814830. http://doi.org/10.1155/2015/814830

Souza, J., Widmer, M., Gülmezoglu, A., Lawrie, T., Adejuyigbe, E., Carroli, G., ... Temmerman, M. (2014). Maternal and perinatal health research priorities beyond 2015 : an international survey and prioritization exercise. Reproductive Health, 11 (1), 61. http://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4755-11-61

Yeeles, H., Trinick, S., Childs, C., Soltani, H., & Farrell, T. (2014). Postpartum infection in morbidly obese women after caesarean section : does early prophylactic oral antibiotic use make a difference? Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4 (9), 547-549. http://doi.org/10.4236/ojog.2014.49077

Soltani, H., Fair, F., & Duxbury, A. (2014). Exploring health professionals’ and women's awareness of models of maternity care evidence. British Journal of Midwifery, 23 (1), 22-31. http://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2015.23.1.22

Arden, M.A., S Duxbury, A.M., & Soltani, H. (2014). What women really think about gestational weight management: A thematic analysis of posts made in online parenting forums. Pregnancy hypertension, 4 (3), 231. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.preghy.2014.03.007

Arden, M., Duxbury, A., & Soltani, H. (2014). Responses to gestational weight management guidance: a thematic analysis of comments made by women in online parenting forums. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 14 (216). http://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-14-216

Duxbury, A., Soltani, H., & Martin, S. (2014). An overview of evidence on diet and physical activity basedinterventions for gestational weight management. Evidence Based Midwifery, 12 (2), 40-45.

Afshari, P., Medforth, J., Aarabi, M., Abedi, P., & Soltani, H. (2014). Management of third stage labour following vaginal birth in Iran: a survey of current policies. Midwifery, 30 (1), 65-72. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2013.02.002

Sandall, J., Soltani, H., Gates, S., Shennan, A., & Devane, D. (2013). Midwife-led continuity models versus other models of care for childbearing women. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (8), CD004667. http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd004667.pub3

Soltani, H. (2013). Dietary interventions more effective than physical activity or mixed interventions for weight management during pregnancy. Evidence-Based Medicine, 18 (2), ebmed.18.2.e12. http://doi.org/10.1136/eb-2012-100871

Sandall, J., Soltani, H., Gates, S., Shennan, A., & Devane, D. (2013). Women who receive midwife care throughout their pregnancy and birth have better outcomes. Saudi Medical Journal, 34 (11), 1202. http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004667.pub3

Soltani, H., Furness, P., Mcseveny, K., Arden, M., Garland, C., Sustar, H., & Dearden, A. (2012). Women's and midwives' perspectives on the design of a text messaging support for maternal obesity services. Journal of Obesity. http://doi.org/10.1155/2012/835464

Soltani, H., & Sandall, J. (2012). Organisation of maternity care and choices of mode of birth : a worldwide view. Midwifery, 28 (2), 146-149. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2012.01.009

Ranchordas, M., Rogerson, D., & Soltani, H. (2012). Antioxidants for preventing and reducing muscle soreness after exercise. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4). http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009789

Soltani, H., & Scott, A.M.S. (2012). Antenatal breast expression in women withdiabetes: outcomes from a retrospective cohortstudy. International Breastfeeding Journal, 7 (18). http://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4358-7-18

McClimens, A., Ibbotson, R., Kenyon, C., Mclean, S., & Soltani, H. (2012). Confidence and performance in objective structured clinical examination. British Journal of Midwifery, 20 (10), 746-751.

Lu, G., Abduljalil, K., Jamei, M., Johnson, T.N., Soltani, H., & Rostami-Hodjegan, A. (2012). Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for assessing the kinetics of xenobiotics during pregnancy: achievements and shortcomings. Current drug metabolism, 13 (6), 695-720. http://doi.org/10.2174/138920012800840374

Abduljalil, K., Furness, P., Johnson, T.N., Rostami-Hodjegan, A., & Soltani, H. (2012). Anatomical, physiological and metabolic changes with gestational age during normal pregnancy : a database for parameters required in physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling. Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 51 (6), 365-396. http://doi.org/10.2165/11597440-000000000-00000

Abduljalil, K., Furness, P., Johnson, T.N., Rostami-Hodjegan, A., & Soltani, H. (2012). Anatomical, physiological and metabolic changes with gestational age during normal pregnancy: A database for parameters required in physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling. Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 51 (6), 365-396. http://doi.org/10.2165/11597440-000000000-00000

Furness, P.J., McSeveny, K., Arden, M., Garland, C., Dearden, A., & Soltani, H. (2011). Maternal obesity support services: a qualitative study of the perspectives of women and midwives. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 11 (69). http://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-11-69

Soltani, H., Hutchon, D.R., & Poulose, T.A. (2010). Timing of prophylactic uterotonics for the third stage of labour after vaginal birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 8. http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006173.pub2

Sandall, J., Devane, D., Soltani, H., Hatem, M., & Gates, S. (2010). Improving quality and safety in maternal care: the contribution of midwife-led care. Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health, 55 (3), 255-261. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmwh.2010.02.002

Soltani, H. (2009). Obesity in pregnancy: an evidence-based commentary. Evidence based midwifery, 7 (4), 140-142. http://www.rcm.org.uk/ebm/ebm-2009/volume-7-issue-4/obesity-in-pregnancy-an-evidence-based-commentary/

Soltani, H., & Arden, M. (2009). Factors associated with breastfeeding up to 6 months postpartum in mothers with diabetes. Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, & neonatal nursing, 38 (5), 586-594. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1552-6909.2009.01052.x

Murray-Davies, B., Soltani, H., & Wilkins, H. (2009). Using a childbirth simulator for midwifery education. British Journal of Midwifery, 17 (4), 234-237.

Sandall, J., Hatem, M., Devane, D., Soltani, H., & Gates, S. (2009). Discussions of findings from a Cochrane review of midwife-led versus other models of care for childbearing women: continuity, normality and safety. Midwifery, 25 (1), 8-13. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2008.12.002

Dickinson, F., & Soltani, H. (2008). Nitrazine yellow and pre-labour rupture of membranes. Practising Midwife, 11 (5), 48-52.

Hatem, M., Sandall, J., Devane, D., Soltani, H., & Gates, S. (2008). Midwife-led versus other models of care for childbearing women. Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (4). http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004667.pub2

Ross, A., Dickinson, F., & Soltani, H. (2008). Going home: who should do the postnatal exam? The Practicing Midwife, 11 (3), 19-24.

Hodnett, E.D., Stremler, R., Willan, A.R., Weston, J.A., Lowe, N.K., Simpson, K.R., ... SELAN (Structured Early Labour Assessment and Care by Nurses) Trial Group, (2008). Effect on birth outcomes of a formalised approach to care in hospital labour assessment units: international, randomised controlled trial. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 337, a1021. http://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.a1021

Soltani, H. (2008). Global implications of evidence ‘biased’ practice: management of the third stage of labour. Midwifery, 24 (2), 138-142. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2008.03.002

Ross, A., Dickinson, F., & Soltani, H. (2008). Going home after instrumental birth. The practising midwife, 11 (3), 19-24.

Soltani, H., Dickinson, F.M., Kalk, J., & Payne, K. (2007). Breast feeding practices and views among diabetic women: a retrospective cohort study. Midwifery. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2007.04.005

Soltani, H., Dickinson, F., & Leung, T.N. (2005). The effect of placental cord drainage in the third stage of labour on fetomaternal transfusion: a systematic review. Evidence based midwifery, 3 (2), 64-85.

Soltani, H., & Dickinson, F. (2005). Exploring women's views on information provided during pregnancy. British journal of midwifery, 13 (10), 633-636. http://www.intermid.co.uk/cgi-bin/go.pl/library/article.cgi?uid=19838;article=BJM_13_10_633_636

Soltani, H., Dickinson, F., & Symonds, I. (2005). Placental cord drainage after spontaneous vaginal delivery as part of the management of the third stage of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4). http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004665.pub2

Soltani, H., Dickinson, F., & Symonds, I. (2005). Placental cord drainage after spontaneous vaginal delivery as part of the management of the third stage of labour. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (4), CD004665. http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd004665.pub2

Wood, C., & Soltani, H. (2005). Does pethidine relieve pain? The practising midwife, 8 (7), 16-25.

Soltani, H., Dickinson, F., & Tanner, J. (2004). Developing a maternity unit visiting policy. The Practising midwife, 7 (9), 27-30.

Soltani, H., & Taylor, G.M. (2003). Changing attitudes and perceptions to hyperemesis gravidarum. RCM midwives : the official journal of the Royal College of Midwives, 6 (12), 520-524.

Madhok, R., Taylor, A., Soltani, H., & Ireland, K. (2002). NICE and LICE: lessons from a health district. Journal of public health medicine, 24 (1), 2-5. http://jpubhealth.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/24/1/2

Simmons, D., & Breier, B.H. (2002). Adult obesity and growth in childhood - Fuel mediated teratogenesis driven by maternal obesity may be responsible for pandemic of obesity. BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL, 324 (7338), 674-675.

Fraser, R., & Soltani, H. (2002). Adult obesity and growth in childhood - Obstetricians seem reluctant to consider interventions to reduce mean birth weight. BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL, 324 (7338), 675.

Thornton-Jones, H., Hampshaw, S., & Soltani, H. (2002). Evidence, policy making and the art of the possible: A methodology applied to screening. Journal of Clinical Excellence, 4 (1), 9-16.

Soltani, H. (2002). Midwifery research: the past, present and future. RCM midwives : the official journal of the Royal College of Midwives, 5 (11), 384-388.

Soltani, H., & Fraser, R. (2002). Pregnancy as a cause of obesity--myth or reality? RCM midwives journal : official journal of the Royal College of Midwives, 5 (5), 193-195.

Simmons, D., Breier, B.H., Fraser, R., Soltani, H., Stettler, N., Stallings, V.A., ... Langley-Evans, S. (2002). Adult obesity and growth in childhood [4] (multiple letters). British Medical Journal, 324 (7338), 674-676.

Fraser, R., & Soltani, H. (2002). Adult obesity and growth in childhood. Obstetricians seem reluctant to consider interventions to reduce mean birth weight. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 324 (7338), 674. http://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7338.674

Simmons, D., & Breier, B.H. (2002). Adult obesity and growth in childhood. Fuel mediated teratogenesis driven by maternal obesity may be responsible for pandemic of obesity. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 324 (7338), 674. http://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7338.674/a

Soltani, H., & Fraser, R.B. (2000). A longitudinal study of maternal anthropometric changes in normal weight, overweight and obese women during pregnancy and postpartum. British journal of nutrition, 84 (1), 95-101. http://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114500001276

Soltani, H., & Fraser, R.B. (2000). Erratum: A longitudinal study of maternal anthropometric changes in normal weight, overweight and obese women during pregnancy and postpartum (British Journal of Nutrition (2000) 84 1 (96)). British Journal of Nutrition, 84 (6), 947.

Soltani, H., & Fraser, R.B. (2000). A longitudinal study of maternal anthropometric changes in normal weight, overweight and obese women during pregnancy and postpartum. British Journal of Nutrition, 84 (1), 95-101. http://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114500001276

Soltani, H., Bruce, C., & Fraser, R.B. (1999). Observational study of maternal anthropometry and fetal insulin. Archives of disease in childhood : fetal and neonatal, 81 (2), F122-F124. http://fn.bmj.com/content/81/2/F122.abstract?sid=f5773425-6713-4b52-a090-e62ab3425ff1

Soltani, H., & Dickinson, F. (n.d.). Timing of prophylactic oxytocics for the third stage of labour after vaginal birth. . http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd006173

Fair, F., Marvin-Dowle, K., Arden, M., & Soltani, H. (n.d.). Healthy Weight Services in England before, during and after pregnancy: a mixed methods approach. . http://doi.org/10.21203/rs.2.20767/v2

Sandall, J., Fernandez-Turienzo, C., Devane, D., Soltani, H., Gillespie, P., Gates, S., ... Rayment-Jones, H. (n.d.). Midwife continuity of care models versus other models of care for childbearing women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004667.pub6

Conference papers

Soltani, H., Watson, H., Fair, F., van den Muijsenbergh, M., Papadakaki, M., Jokinen, M., ... Vivilaki, V. (2021). Perinatal mental health services for mothers from ethnic minority and migrant backgrounds. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, 31, 176.

Soltani, H., Watson, H., Walton, E., Harrop, D., Young, A., & Johnson, L. (2020). Experiences and expectations of women from ethnic minority background on perinatal mental health [abstract only]. The European Journal of Public Health, 30 (Supple). http://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.348

Soltani, H., Fair, F., Marvin-Dowle, K., & Lipoeto, N.I. (2020). The effects of a local dairy food supplement on pregnancy outcomes in Indonesia: A feasibility trial. European Journal of Public Health, 30 (Supplement_5). http://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.924

Fair, F., & Soltani, H. (2020). Experiences of maternal weight management services among women with a raised body mass index. European Journal of Public Health, 30 (Supplement_5). http://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.865

Fair, F., & Soltani, H. (2020). Evaluating the long-term impact of an antenatal healthy lifestyle service: retrospective cohort study. European Journal of Public Health, 30 (Supplement_5). http://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.722

Senek, M., Arden, M., & Soltani, H. (2020). Exploring Barriers to Lifestyle Advice Provision to Pregnant Women With Obesity. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19.

Soltani, H., Fair, F., Watson, H., Raben, L., & Van den Muijsenbergh, M. (2018). Migrant women's experiences of perinatal care in European countries: a systematic review. European Journal of Public Health, 28 (Supp 1). http://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cky047.147

Book chapters

Soltani, H. (2010). "Preconception matters" and "Nutrition and metabolism during pregnancy". In Stables, D., & Rankin, J. (Eds.) Physiology in childbearing with anatomy and related biosciences. Bailliere Tindall: http://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/product.jsp?isbn=9780702044762&queryTerm=physiology%20in%20childbearing%20with%20anatomy%20and%20related%20biosciences%20&_requestid=396096

Theses / Dissertations

Memon, Z.A. (2023). Evaluation of integrating family planning with maternal and child health services. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Soltani, H. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00585

Senek, M. (2018). An mHealth Walking Intervention forPregnant Women with Obesity. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Soltani, H. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00181

Rogerson, D.J. (2015). Weight-loss experiences vs. undergraduate nutrition education competencies : A qualitative comparison. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Soltani, H.

Williams, M. (2010). The effect of anti-D immunoglobulin administration on plasma cytokine profiles. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Lubenko, A., Norfolk, D., Soltani, H., & Woodroofe, N.

Presentations

Rundle, R., Duxbury, A., & Soltani, H. (2015). An exploratory study of young women’s food choices and compliance with supplementation recommendations during pregnancy.

Other activities

  • Co-section editor for “BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth"
  • Co-Chair of the International Confederation of Midwives, Research 
  • StandingCommittee (ICM-RSC)
  • Invited Lead Gust Editor for "Journal of pregnancy"
  • Editorial board member for “Evidence Based Midwifery Journal”
  • International advisory committee member for “Midwifery" journal
  • Honorary Professor of Midwifery in Doncaster & Bassetlaw NHS Foundation Trust
  • Honorary Professor of Midwifery in Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust
  • Honorary Professor in Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
  • Panel expert member for "The Yorkshire and The Humber Regional Funding 
  • Committee: "NIHR- Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB)" [June 2013-June 2016]
  • Invited expert adviser for several guideline development for the World Health Organization (WHO)
  • External examiner for several national and international PhD students

Postgraduate supervision

  • Physical activity in obese and overweight pregnancies
  • Exploring the need for nutritional interventions in adolescent pregnancies -using record linkage and Born in Bradford Cohort data
  • Maternal obesity and psychosocial challenges in following healthy lifestyle, a comparative qualitative study of Normal weight, overweight and obese women
  • Third stage of labour management in low risk women
  • Weight-loss experiences versus undergraduate nutrition education competencies: A qualitative comparison
  • Antioxidants and muscle soreness
  • Doctors' perceptions of obstetrics ultrasound: concept, knowledge and practice during pregnancy
  • The effect of anti-D immunoglobulin administration on serum cytokine profile during pregnancy

Media

Hora is a Professor of Maternal and Infant Health. She is a registered midwife and has been researching for about 20 years on Maternal and Infant Health. Her expertise is focused around pregnancy and postnatal maternal weight changes, infant feeding, maternal obesity and the organisation of maternity care.

MIDWIVES: Why a continuity of care for pregnant mothers can improve outcomes for babies.
As Health and Social Care Secretary, Jeremy Hunt prepares to announce new measures that promises expectant mothers will be seen by the same midwife throughout labour, pregnancy and birth by 2021, Hora Soltani, Hallam's professor of maternal and infant care, spoke to Hallam FM about her own research which concluded a continuity of care for pregnant mothers led to fewer interventions and complications during birth. Hora's interview was broadcast on Hallam FM's news bulletins.

Three areas of Professor Soltani's Research have been highlighted in the media as follows:

Midwife-led continuity models versus other models of care for childbearing women

The following article attracted widespread global media coverage following its press release in August 2013:
Sandall J, Soltani H, Gates S, Shennan A, Devane D.; Midwife-led continuity models versus other models of care for childbearing women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD004667. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004667.pub3. URL upon publication: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/14651858.CD004667.pub3

Sky News Australia
http://www.skynews.com.au/health/article.aspx?id=89865

Irish Times
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/pregnant-women-fare-better-under-midwife-led-care-study-1.1500216



Evening Echo
http://www.mediacoverage.co.uk/x/monitoring/mediaclips/257584256#257584256

News.com Australia
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/world/midwife-led-births-beneficial-study/story-e6frfkui-1226701099545?from=public_rss

Daily Mail
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2398582/Call-midwife-Mothers-likely-birth-prematurely-need-epidural.html

BBC Radio Sheffield
Real Radio
Yorkshire Post
BC1 (an international TV station based in Canada)
Midwifery research coverage at a glance from 21 August to 23 August

32 cuttings mentioning Sheffield Hallam's involvement in the midwifery research welfare cuts research appeared in the press and media

36,859 of AVE (Advertising Value Equivalent) was generated

Total circulation: 9.3million

Podcast available for: Midwife-led versus other models of care for childbearing women; Global free access, in several languages including English, Farsi, Arabic and Portuguese available from Cochrane Library

English: http://www.cochrane.org/podcasts/10.1002/14651858.CD004667.pub3
Farsi: http://community.cochrane.org/podcasts/issue-7-8-july-august-2013/midwife-led-continuity-models- versus-other-models-care-childbe-0
Portuguese: http://community.cochrane.org/podcasts/issue-7-8-july-august- 2013/midwife-led-continuity-models-versus-other-models-care-childbear

The Operational Refugee and Migrant Maternal Approach (ORAMMA) project

A new project looking at ways to improve maternal health of migrant women across Europe has been launched by academics from Sheffield Hallam University and other European institutions.
The Operational Refugee and Migrant Maternal Approach (ORAMMA) project has been funded by the European Commission and will seek to address the health inequalities experienced by pregnant migrants across the continent. Hora Soltani, Professor of Maternal and Infant Health from Sheffield Hallam's Centre for Health and Social Care Research, is working with experts from eight universities and health organisations from five European countries. For more details please see the link below:

http://www4.shu.ac.uk/mediacentre/project-launched-improve-health-europes-pregnant-migrants

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Contrary to the common perception, studies show that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is not confined to just one religion or tradition. It is widely practised among communities from various faith backgrounds (Christians, Muslims, Traditional African religions and those with no religion).

‘We need to win over people’s hearts as well as their minds’ article published in the Sheffield Telegraph by Professor Hora Soltani, Professor in Maternal and Infant Health, Sheffield Hallam University. Please click on the link below for the full article.

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/crime/telegraph-debate-is-sheffield-doing-enough-to-deal-with-the-crime-of-fgm-1-8525020

Midwife-led continuity of care

A recent Cochrane report suggests that women who received midwife-led continuity models of care were less likely to experience intervention and more likely to be satisfied with their care with at least comparable adverse outcomes for women or their infants than women who received other models of care.

Further research is needed to explore findings of fewer preterm births and fewer fetal deaths less than 24 weeks, and all fetal loss/neonatal death associated with midwife-led continuity models of care.
For the full review please click on the following link:
http://www.cochrane.org/CD004667/PREG_midwife-led-continuity-models-care-compared-other-models-care-women-during-pregnancy-birth-and-early


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