The effect of acupressure therapy on mothers with postpartum blues

Abstract

Objective

Postpartum blues is an event that occurs in the first week after delivery. Postpartum blues are temporary, but when they cannot be handled properly they will continue to become postpartum depression or anxiety disorders. This study aims to determine the potential of acupressure therapy for decreasing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score in mothers with postpartum blues.

Method

This research was an experimental study with one group pre–posttest design, at RSIA Sitti Khadijah I and the Kassi-Kassi Health Center in Makassar City with a sample of 30 people conducted in August–October 2019. The EPDS questionnaire was conducted before and after acupressure therapy in each respondent who fits the inclusion criteria.

Results

The results of the study showed that acupressure has the potency to decreased EPDS scores. The highest EPDS scores on the first day are 12.33, and after day 9, EPDS score has decreased to 6.86. The decrease occurs every day until the 9th day.

Conclusion

Acupressure therapy carried out in mothers with postpartum blues decreased EPDS score in mothers with postpartum blues.