Press Needle Acupoint Stimulation Combined With Breast Massage on the Initiation of Lactogenesis II

This RCT aimed to rigorously evaluate the combined effects of press needle acupuncture and breast massage on accelerating the onset of lactogenesis II, thereby optimizing breastfeeding outcomes and maternal health post-cesarean delivery. It involved 136 mothers who had cesarean sections at this facility along with their healthy single-born infants. Control group received routine care. On the basis of the control group, press needle acupoint stimulation and breast massage were administered to the intervention group. The main outcome indicators included the sensation of milk coming in, defined as the time to stage II lactogenesis. Additionally, milk quality was assessed 72 hours after birth, focusing on the content of protein, fat, lactose, minerals, and water. Secondary outcomes tracked include the number of breastfeeding sessions within the first 72 hours, the milliliters of formula provided to the infant during this period, and the percentage of mothers exclusively breastfeeding after 72 hours.