Postpartum Care

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• Definition
• Introduction
• Signs & Symptoms
• Research Summary

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Executive Summary

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Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Research into Chinese medicine treatment for Postpartum Care" summarising the research below and using language that can be easily understood by patients and avoiding medical jargon using a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Researched Chinese medicine treatments for Postpartum Care" summarising the research below in an objective and easy to understand way, and using language that can be easily understood by patients. Group the article into Chinese medicine treatments first, followed by nutrition and other treatments. Avoid using medical jargon and use a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write me a concise but easy to understand executive summary on the topic of "Chinese medicine treatments for Postpartum Care" based on the following research that I will give you. Your summary should be 2 paragraphs long in Australian English spelling and include references to the studies.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal Babali Nursing Research found that Oxytocin massage using lavender aromatherapy oil can significantly boost breast milk production in postpartum mothers. In this study, a quasi-experimental design was employed which involved pre-testing and post-testing with a control group. The participant mothers were divided into two groups. The intervention group received oxytocin massages using lavender aromatherapy oil, beginning on the second postpartum day. Contrarily, the control group got breastfeeding assistance without the massage intervention. In both groups, breast milk production was evaluated on the sixth day through the usage of a breast pump. The collected results indicated a notable effect of oxytocin massage with the application of lavender aromatherapy oil on maternal milk production. It was hence surmised that this combined approach could effectively enhance breast milk production in women after giving birth.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Current Neuropharmacology found that Acupuncture could help manage different types of depression by increasing neuroplasticity, decreasing brain inflammation, and reducing side effects of conventional antidepressant treatment. The study under review examines the possible mechanisms and clinical effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of different forms of depression. To do this, the researchers examined existing studies and evidence involving both human patients and animal models. A significant aspect of the investigation involved assessing how acupuncture influences neuroplasticity within the hippocampus and neural networks, along with probing the role of this non-pharmaceutical therapy in modulating brain inflammation, which had potential implications for alleviating depressive disorders. The discussions of the results indicated that acupuncture showed considerable promise in the relief of primary depression, especially in milder cases. It was also found useful in the management of post-stroke depression, pain-related depression, and post-partum depression. The study noted positive outcomes both when acupuncture was offered as a stand-alone treatment, and when combined with conventional pharmacological treatments. It was observed that the combination of acupuncture and anti-depressant drugs not only improved primary and secondary depressive symptoms but also managed to reduce the side-effects often associated with medication regimens, which are frequent contributors to high dropout rates in pharmacological treatments.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2021 in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine found that Date fruit consumption appears to be useful for promoting and increasing breast milk quantity in breastfeeding mothers. Date fruits may be an alternative galactagogue. Breastfeeding mothers who received 10 date fruits/day had an 11% increase in breast milk quantity from baseline to week 2, and a 23% increase from baseline to week 4, (both p < 0.05). The breast milk quantity of the breastfeeding mothers who received date fruits was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). However, there were no differences in infant nutritional status.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion found that Acupuncture treatment for postpartum depression is effective and can improve Hamilton Depression (HAMD) Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and serum estradiol scores. Meta analysis was conducted in the literature in recent 10 years relating to clinical randomized controlled trials of acupuncture in treatment of postpartum depression, which provided references for acupuncture in treatment of postpartum depression. Fourteen articles were included in this study, among which, acupuncture group was set as treatment group, and oral administration of fluoxetine as control group in 4 articles; acupuncture group was set as treatment group, and oral administration of maltodextrin granules as control group in 2 articles. The differences in the 6 articles were statistically significant, without interference from other compound factors.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that Gua sha therapy may be more effective than hot packs with massage for reducing breast pain. In this version of the review, 21 studies involving 2170 breastfeeding women were analysed. A range of interventions for the treatment of breast engorgement were tested. These included: cabbage leaves, various compresses (ginger, cactus/aloe, hollyhock), massage plus cactus and aloe compress, acupuncture, ultrasound, acupressure, scraping therapy (Gua Sha), cold breast‐packs, electromechanical massage, Oketani breast massage, and medical treatments (serrapeptase, protease, oxytocin). Six studies used individual breasts as the unit of analysis making it difficult to evaluate the true effect of the studied intervention. Due to the heterogeneous interventions, we were unable to pool results in meta‐analysis; hence, a qualitative analysis resulted in the following findings.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal International Urogynecology Journal found that Antenatal perineal massage reduces severe perineal trauma and postpartum complications. This meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials involving 3467 patients found that antenatal perineal massage significantly reduces the risk of perineal tears and episiotomy, especially severe tears. Additionally, it leads to shorter second-stage labor, less postpartum perineal pain, and improved wound healing. While some heterogeneity and publication bias were noted, this study supports the routine recommendation of antenatal perineal massage for labor preparation, emphasizing its benefits in reducing perineal trauma and improving obstetric outcomes. Further research with larger sample sizes is encouraged to confirm these findings and explore additional benefits, such as postpartum sexual satisfaction and incontinence reduction.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports found that Breast massage eases pain and symptoms in breastfeeding problems. This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of breast massage as a treatment for breastfeeding problems. It focuses on outcomes like pain reduction, increased milk supply, and resolution of issues like blocked ducts and mastitis. While breastfeeding is crucial for infant health, rates drop, and complications like mastitis contribute. The review covers studies from 1980 to 2017, including six diverse studies. Although outcomes varied due to different interventions and small sample sizes, all reported reduced pain. However, lack of detailed technique explanation and training hinder replicability. This research is valuable for healthcare professionals, suggesting a need for standardized measurement tools and more robust trials.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Journal of Nursing Research found that Aromatherapy enhances physio-psychological well-being in postpartum women. This systematic review encompassed 15 studies conducted in Iran, England, and the United States, involving 2,131 postpartum participants. The research focused on evaluating aromatherapy's effects on various aspects of postpartum health. Aromatherapy interventions, primarily utilizing lavender and citrus aurantium essential oils, demonstrated positive outcomes. These included relief from nipple fissure pain, improved episiotomy recovery, reduced pain and nausea after cesarean section delivery, and enhanced sleep quality. Additionally, aromatherapy showed potential in positively influencing psychological health, particularly in reducing anxiety. Lavender oil emerged as the most impactful essential oil. While promising, further comprehensive studies are needed to establish aromatherapy as a validated therapy for postpartum women.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Journal of Integrative Nursing found that Acupoint massage enhances acute mastitis treatment. Acupoint massage proves effective in treating acute mastitis, as per a systematic review of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 2056 patients. The analysis indicates that acupoint massage enhances clinical treatment efficiency, shortens onset time, reduces lump size, and alleviates symptoms. However, it shows no significant impact on recurrence or cure rates. While this evidence supports acupoint massage as a beneficial adjunct therapy for acute mastitis, the need for higher-quality studies is emphasized to further validate these findings.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal BioMed Research International found that Acupuncture could reduce Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) scores for postpartum depression. Though our meta-analysis revealed that acupuncture had a lower efficacy compared to other antidepression treatments, symptoms of depression relief were observed in the majority of the studies analysed. These findings indicate that although the efficacy of acupuncture was lower compared to antidepressants, the benefits of acupuncture were still attractive to women with postpartum depression due to their negligible side-effects. In summary, despite the limitations mentioned above, this current systematic review suggests that acupuncture could reduce HAMD scores. However, EPDS, clinical response, and serum estradiol levels were unaffected by acupuncture treatment. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that treatment efficacy was variable and depended on the control types used. Large-scale and well-designed RCTs are required before a conclusive statement could be made regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of postpartum depression.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that Acupuncture appears to be effective for postpartum depression with respect to certain outcomes. Nine trials involving 653 women were selected. The result of this meta-analysis demonstrated that the acupuncture group had a significantly greater overall effective rate compared with the control group. Moreover, acupuncture significantly increased oestradiol levels compared with the control group. Regarding the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores, no difference was found between the two groups.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Chai Hu Shu Gan San (a traditional Chinese Medicine) is a promising in treating depression, especially in post-stroke and postpartum cases. The review assessed the efficacy of Chai Hu Shu Gan San, a traditional Chinese medicine, in treating depression. Out of 560 initial studies, 42 trials met inclusion criteria. These studies were conducted in China from 2006 to 2016, involving 3234 patients with depression. Chai Hu Shu Gan San demonstrated better efficacy compared to controls, especially in post-stroke and postpartum depression. However, the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed as low, with high risks of bias. While Chai Hu Shu Gan San showed promise, further rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are needed for a conclusive evaluation of its safety and efficacy in treating depression.

A Case Report published in 2017 in the journal The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine found that Chamomile consumption may stimulate abundant milk production and increase lactogenesis in lactating women. In the report, a woman accidentally discovered an unexpected outcome - an abundant amount of milk and high breast tension - a few hours after consuming chamomile. This observation has not been documented before and sheds light on a possible natural means of stimulating milk production. Regular consumption of chamomile during pregnancy and lactation is well-known for various reasons, but this galactagogue effect, that is the promotion of lactation, has never been reported previously. The woman’s case was carefully documented and analysed to draw a correlation between chamomile intake and this resulting effect. The potential galactagogue effect of chamomile presents an interesting but unfamiliar aspect. This insight could be potentially useful for mothers struggling with breastfeeding,with the caveat being that the safety of this herbal product's intake without risk to mothers or newborns is still under scrutiny. The results are unexpected and novel, pointing towards a potential new benefit of chamomile tea for lactating women - stimulating lactogenesis. However, the conclusions are drawn from a single case and further in-depth studies are required to confirm this effect and to understand the underlying biological mechanisms at work.

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