A Systematic Review of Breast Care for Postpartum Mothers

Auricular Acupressure on Breast Pain Among Breastfeeding Mothers Receiving Gentle Hand Techniques: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Auricular acupressure influences pain reduction in patients with diseases. However, study results on its influence on breast pain, common among breastfeeding mothers, are insufficient.

RESEARCH AIM

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of auricular acupressure on breast pain among breastfeeding mothers who also received a standard gentle hand technique.

METHODS

This was a placebo-controlled study wherein auricular acupressure was provided for 4 weeks to 52 breastfeeding mothers consulting a local breastfeeding clinic. In the intervention group, auricular acupressure was applied to specific acupoints, including Shenmen, central rim, breast, and endocrine, which are related to breast pain and postpartum lactation. For the placebo control group, auricular acupressure was applied to acupoints not related to breast pain. The degree of breast pain was assessed using a numeric rating scale and a pressure algometer.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of auricular acupressure, numeric rating scale pain scores did not show a significant change. However, the pressure pain threshold for the upper left (Z = -2.202, p = .028) and upper right (t = 2.613, p = .012) areas of the right breast increased significantly in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION

This study employed subjective and objective measurements to evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupressure in alleviating breast pain. The intervention shows potential as a nursing measure. Further research is required to determine the optimal intervention duration and frequency, particularly for breastfeeding parents with severe pain, and to evaluate long-term outcomes.

A randomized controlled trial of pectoralis major myofascial release massage for breastfeeding mothers: breast pain, engorgement, and newborns’ breast milk intake and sleeping patterns

Purpose: Supportive interventions to improve breastfeeding practice are needed in nursing. This study investigated the effects of pectoralis major myofascial release massage (MRM) on breast pain and engorgement among breastfeeding mothers and on breast milk intake and sleep patterns among newborns. Methods: Breastfeeding mothers who had delivered between 37 and 43 weeks and had 7- to 14-day-old newborns were recruited from a postpartum care center in Gunpo, Korea. Participants were randomized to the MRM or control group. The outcome variables were breast pain and breast engorgement among breastfeeding mothers and breast milk intake and sleep time among newborns. The experimental treatment involved applying MRM to separate the pectoralis major muscle and the underlying breast tissue in the chest. After delivery, the first MRM session (MRM I) was provided by a breast specialist nurse, and the second (MRM II) was administered 48 hours after MRM I. Results: Following MRM, breast pain (MRM I: t=−5.38, p<.001; MRM II: t=−10.05, p<.001), breast engorgement (MRM I: right, t=−1.68, p =.100; left, t=−2.13, p=.037 and MRM II: right, t=−4.50, p<.001; left, t=−3.74, p<.001), and newborn breast milk intake (MRM I: t=3.10, p=.003; MRM II: t=3.09, p=.003) differed significantly between the groups. Conclusion: MRM effectively reduced breast engorgement and breast pain in breastfeeding mothers, reducing the need for formula supplementation, and increasing newborns’ breast milk intake. Therefore, MRM can be utilized as an effective nursing intervention to alleviate discomfort during breastfeeding and to improve the rate of breastfeeding practice (clinical trial number: KCT0002436).