Pajouhan Scientific Journal, Summer, In Press
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Ethics code: IR.MUI.NUREMA.REC.1400.183
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Abstract: (12 Views)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The postpartum period represents a critical phase for maternal and neonatal health, with breastfeeding success considered a key indicator of well-being. The initiation and maintenance of lactation depend on the coordinated function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and the secretion of prolactin and oxytocin. Psychological factors such as stress and anxiety may disrupt these neuroendocrine pathways, thereby negatively affecting breastfeeding outcomes. Auriculotherapy, a non-pharmacological, low-risk intervention involving stimulation of specific auricular points, may improve breastfeeding by modulating neuroendocrine responses and reducing maternal stress. This study aimed to investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on breastfeeding patterns in postpartum women.
Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 106 eligible mothers who had vaginal deliveries. Participants were randomly allocated, using block randomization, to either an intervention group (auriculotherapy) or a control group. The intervention consisted of stimulation of specific ear points using Vaccaria seeds during labor, followed by regular self-pressing for 10 days postpartum. Breastfeeding patterns were assessed at 24 hours and on day 10 after delivery through observation and structured interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing appropriate statistical tests.
Results: Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the type of breastfeeding at 24 hours or on day 10 postpartum (P = 0.403 and P = 0.521, respectively). However, the mean number of breastfeeding sessions on day 10 postpartum was significantly higher in the auriculotherapy group compared to the control group (13.06 ± 3.09 vs. 11.60 ± 3.38, P = 0.008).
Conclusion: Auriculotherapy did not significantly affect the type of breastfeeding but was associated with an increased frequency of breastfeeding sessions during the early postpartum period. As a safe, non-pharmacological, and cost-effective intervention, auriculotherapy may be considered a complementary approach to support breastfeeding in postpartum women.
Background and Objectives: The postpartum period represents a critical phase for maternal and neonatal health, with breastfeeding success considered a key indicator of well-being. The initiation and maintenance of lactation depend on the coordinated function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and the secretion of prolactin and oxytocin. Psychological factors such as stress and anxiety may disrupt these neuroendocrine pathways, thereby negatively affecting breastfeeding outcomes. Auriculotherapy, a non-pharmacological, low-risk intervention involving stimulation of specific auricular points, may improve breastfeeding by modulating neuroendocrine responses and reducing maternal stress. This study aimed to investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on breastfeeding patterns in postpartum women.
Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 106 eligible mothers who had vaginal deliveries. Participants were randomly allocated, using block randomization, to either an intervention group (auriculotherapy) or a control group. The intervention consisted of stimulation of specific ear points using Vaccaria seeds during labor, followed by regular self-pressing for 10 days postpartum. Breastfeeding patterns were assessed at 24 hours and on day 10 after delivery through observation and structured interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing appropriate statistical tests.
Results: Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the type of breastfeeding at 24 hours or on day 10 postpartum (P = 0.403 and P = 0.521, respectively). However, the mean number of breastfeeding sessions on day 10 postpartum was significantly higher in the auriculotherapy group compared to the control group (13.06 ± 3.09 vs. 11.60 ± 3.38, P = 0.008).
Conclusion: Auriculotherapy did not significantly affect the type of breastfeeding but was associated with an increased frequency of breastfeeding sessions during the early postpartum period. As a safe, non-pharmacological, and cost-effective intervention, auriculotherapy may be considered a complementary approach to support breastfeeding in postpartum women.
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