Effect of combination of remifentanil PCIA and water acupuncture on puerperae’s lactation function of and newborns’ foraging and sucking reflex

Abstract

Objective To study the effect of the combination of remifentanil PCIA and water acupuncture on puerperae’s lactation function and newborns’ foraging and sucking reflex. Methods 100 primiparae were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, 50 cases for each group. The experimental group were treated with remifentanil PCIA and water acupuncture, while the control group took no treatment. The starting time of lactation and milk quantities 24 and 48 h after delivery were observed. The VAS scores, the plasma concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) before and 1 h after analgesia and after delivery were measured. The serum prolactin levels before the analgesia and 24 and 48 h after delivery and the neonatal feeding and sucking reflex scores were measured. Results The starting time of lactation [(25.1±9.1) h vs. (34.7±9.8) h] was significantly shorter, more primiparae were sufficient in milk quantity 24 and 48 h after delivery, the VAS score 1 h after analgesia [(2.2±1.5) vs. (8.5±1.6)] and the concentrations of NE and E 1 h after analgesia and 1 h after deliver was lower, and the PRL 24 and 48 h after delivery were higher in experimental group than in the control group, with statistical differences (all P<0.05). The was no statistical difference in the newborns’ foraging and sucking reflex of the newborn between the two groups. Conclusion The combination of remifentanil PCIA and water acupuncture can effectively control the maternal stress reaction, increase the secretion of PRL and promote early lactation and lactation amount, and has no obvious influence on newborns’ foraging and sucking reflex. Key words: Remifentanil PCIA; Water acupuncture; Lactation function; Foraging and sucking reflex