Educating Women about Complementary and Alternative Medicine Interventions to Promote Wellness in the Postpartum Period : An Evidence-Based Application

Abstract

This nursing honors project centers around educating women about the causes and effects of stress, and utilizing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions to promote wellness in the postpartum period and throughout life. A scholarly literature review identified evidence-based CAM interventions, such as relaxation techniques, that promote wellness and effectively decrease stress in postpartum women. An article of specific interest is entitled Relaxation during pregnancy: What are the benefits for mother, fetus, and newborn? (Fink, 2012). The authors reviewed several research studies related to relaxation techniques, such as massage, guided imagery, and yoga, and discussed their effects on mothers and infants before and after birth. Evidence resulting from the literature review identifies the need to educate postpartum women on relaxation techniques to help promote health and wellness. A presentation and pamphlet detailing the evidence-based relaxation techniques will be used to educate attendees at various local community and/or healthcare settings, to include but not limited to YMCAs, daycares, new mother organizations, and birthing units. The goal of this work is to deliver CAM intervention information in the hopes of better supporting women’s wellness throughout the postpartum period and thereafter.