Effects of self-made traditional Chinese medicine concentrate for sponge bath and feet bath on postpartum recovery in parturients with cesarean section

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of self-made traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) concentrate for sponge bath and feet bath on postpartum recovery in parturients with cesarean section. Methods A total of 300 parturients with cesarean section were selected as subjects from July 2014 to December 2015 and were randomly divided into three groups including group A (100 cases, sponge bath and feet bath with TCM), group B (100 cases, feet bath with warm water), group C (100 cases, without intervention) with informed consent according to bed numbers. We observed the volume of lochia, height of fundus, the time of first flatus, milk yield, sleep quality, length of stay among groups after childbirth. And then, we explored the effects of self-made TCM concentrate for sponge bath and feet bath on postpartum recovery in parturients with cesarean section by comparing indicators among groups. Results The volume of lochia, height of fundus, the time of first flatus, milk yield, sleep quality in group A were better than those in group B and C with significant differences (P<0.05) along with the length of stay in group A 0.5-1 d less than that in group B and C. Conclusions The self-made TCM concentrate for sponge bath and feet bath can reduce the length of stay and contribute to reducing the volume of lochia post partum, promoting the involution of uterus and intestinal peristalsis, increasing the milk yield, improving sleep quality, relieve postoperative pain so as to promote postpartum recovery. Key words: Cesarean section; Postpartum recovery; Foot bath; Sponge bath; Traditional Chinese medicine concentrate