Potential of acupressure to be complementary care by midwives in postpartum women's breast milk production

Abstract

Objective

This study was aimed to analyze the potential of acupressure for complementary therapy in postpartum women's breast milk production.

Method

It was a quasi-experimental, post-test with a control group design. The subject in this study was 80 primipara postpartum mothers. The intervention was carried in June until August 2019 at the Kadolomoko public health center area, Southeast Sulawesi. Acupressure was given within 24 h postpartum for 5 until 10 min and control group was given puerperal gymnastics, which is a standard of midwifery care. Observation of breast milk on days 2, 4, and 7 postpartum.

Results

The breast milk given by acupressure and puerperal gymnastics both increased on the second, fourth, and seventh day after delivery, but the increase in the group given acupressure was higher than in puerperal gymnastics.

Conclusion

Acupressure has the potential to be complementary care by midwives in postpartum women to help better breast milk production.