Abstract
Objective
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of iyashi healing care provided on postpartum day 1 on mother's fatigue and breastfeeding.
Sample and Methodology
Using a quasi-experimental design, we explored the effects of healing care with respect to mother's fatigue in early puerperium and breastfeeding. The study sample comprised 153 mothers on postpartum day 1 after normal childbirth. We divided them into two groups: a group of 80 mothers who were provided with the healing care, and a control group of 73 mothers who were provided with standard care.
The indicators of postpartum fatigue were the level of Fatigue Accumulation Checklist, the level of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and self-knowing sleeping time. The indicators of breastfeeding were the number of feedings during hospitalization, breast problems during hospitalization, and digestion rates at discharge and after one month.
Results
It was suggested as follows. Scores on the Fatigue Accumulation Checklist and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale measures in the intervention group were lower than those in the control group. Additionally, mothers in the intervention group were less likely to experience difficulty of direct breastfeeding during hospitalization than their counterparts in the control group. However, it was inadequate for verifying the effect of iyashi healing care.
Conclusion
It did not result in verification of the hypothesis of "iyashi healing care provided in early puerperium must have been effective in preventing postpartum fatigue and in promoting breastfeeding".
