Complementary and Supportive Methods Used After Caesarean Section: Narrative Review

Abstract

The rate of caesarean section births has been steadily increasing in Türkiye and worldwide. Women may experience various issues after caesarean section. Pharmacologic, complementary, and supportive methods may be used to address these issues following caesarean section. No review in the literature has been found that investigates the effects of complementary and supportive methods used after caesarean section. The purpose of this review is to examine the effect of complementary and supportive methods that can be used after caesarean section. This review includes experimental studies conducted between 2013 and 2022 that evaluated the effectiveness of complementary and supportive methods after caesarean section and for which full texts in English and Turkish were accessible. A review of the literature on the subject showed that complementary and supportive methods such as acupuncture, acupressure, massage, reflexology, reiki, aromatherapy, music, heat therapy, and kangaroo care were used to prevent and manage issues encountered after caesarean section. The studies included in the review evaluated the effects of these methods on pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, postpartum depression, fatigue, trouble sleeping, breastfeeding, and postpartum comfort parameters after caesarean section. Complementary and supportive methods may be effective in preventing and managing issues that may arise after caesarean section. Therefore, it may be recommended that midwives and nurses include complementary and supportive methods in their post-caesarean care.

Keywords

• Caesarean Section
• Complementary Therapies
• Midwifery
• Nurse

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