The Effects of Ear Acupressure with Vaccaria Seeds on the Breastfeeding-related Factors after Cesarean Section: A Randomized, Single-blind Clinical Trial

Introduction: Insufficient breast milk in the first few days after childbirth is a common problem among women after a Cesarean Section. This study aimed to assess the effects of ear acupressure with Vaccaria seeds on breastfeeding-related factors after a Cesarean Section. Methods: In this single-blind, randomized controlled trial, 80 women with insufficient breastfeeding post-Cesarean Section were recruited from Rafsanjan University hospitals in Iran between July and November 2021. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group receiving ear acupressure with Vaccaria seeds on auricular points related to breastfeeding (e.g., TF4, AH10, SI1) eight times daily for five days and a sham group using stickers without Vaccaria seeds on the same points without stimulation. Data were collected using a demographic, obstetric, and breastfeeding information questionnaire, the Breastfeeding Sufficiency Questionnaire, and an observation checklist for breast volume, serum prolactin, neonate weight, and uterine recovery. Breast volume, serum prolactin, and neonate weight were compared between groups before and after the five-day intervention, and breastfeeding sufficiency and uterine recovery were compared between groups after five days. Results: No significant differences existed in demographic, obstetric, or breastfeeding information (p > 0.05). Breastfeeding sufficiency and uterine recovery were significantly higher in the ear acupressure group than in the sham group after five days (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Breast volume showed no significant inter-group or intra-group differences (p = 0.68 and 0.36). Prolactin levels and infant weight increased significantly within both groups (p = 0.002 and 0.0001) but not between the groups (p = 0.97 and 0.74). Discussion: Ear acupressure with Vaccaria seeds enhances breastfeeding sufficiency and uterine recovery, likely via oxytocin-mediated neuroendocrine pathways. These findings support acupressure's role in postpartum care. Conclusions: Ear acupressure with Vaccaria seeds is a safe, non-pharmacological intervention that improves breastfeeding sufficiency and uterine recovery post-C-section and it can be suggested to women who want to use non-pharmacological methods to improve breastfeeding in postpartum care after Cesarean Section. Further studies with extended follow-up are warranted to explore long-term benefits.