Acupuncture in lactating mothers of very low birth weight infants: an experience report - DOI: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v8i1.7787

Abstract

This paper aims to report the experience of using Chiroacupuncture to stimulate lactation on mothers of very low birth weight infants (VLBW). This experience was carried out with seven mothers of VLBW infants born at Northern Parana University Hospital between July and August 2007. Mothers received Chiroacupuncture sessions twice a week during the period their babies were hospitalized. Data was collected from interviews and interactions with the mothers and measurement of milk volume produced. The treatment duration ranged from 19 to 61 days, number of acupuncture appointments ranged from 5 to 13 and the average of intervals between them was 3 to 6 days. Results show that by the day the babies were discharged, all of them were being exclusively breastfed, while almost half of mother reported an improvement in sleep, milk production, tension, anxiety and irritability after acupuncture appointments. The experience was regarded as positive, and therefore, it is another resource that can be applied by a nurse, properly educated in Acupuncture, to stimulate breastfeeding.