OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of acupoint massage for postpartum hypogalactia in puerpera.

METHODSA total of 60 puerpera of cesarean section were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the observation group, 2 cases were dropped out. Finally, there were 28 cases in the observation group and 30 cases in the control group. In the control group, the routine nursing after operation in obstetrics department was given, guiding maternal breastfeeding and postpartum health education. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, the corresponding acupoints were selected from the breast related meridians for massage. Acupoint massage was given since the 3rd day after operation, 8:00 am to 9:00 am, once a day, 1 min at one acupoint, continuously for 5 days. The lactation volume, breast filling, galactostasis and milk viscosity were compared in the parturient of the two groups. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSFrom the 1st to the 2nd days, the differences were not significant in lactation volume, breast filling and galactostasis score between the two groups (all>0.05). From the 3rd to 5th days, the lactation volume, breast filling and galactostasis score in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group (all<0.01). The difference in milk viscosity was not significant in the first 4 days between the two groups (all>0.05). On the 5th day, the score of milk viscosity in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (<0.01). The cured rate was 64.3% (18/28) in the observation group, which was better than 13.3% (4/30) in the control group (<0.05).

CONCLUSIONMassage at the acupoints from the breast related meridians effectively promotes the lactation secretion in puerpera of postpartum hypogalactia and alleviates breast distention.