THERMOGRAPHICAL EVALUATION AND INTERVENTION ON WOMEN'S LACTATION IN IMMEDIATE POST-PART.
Breastfeeding, Postpartum, Thermography
Introduction: Knowing that breastfeeding is an essential process and its advantages are numerous and already recognized, it is necessary that the health professional has tools to evaluate this process and to detect when something is not expected. In addition to the observation of breastfeeding, understanding the physiology of the breast may contribute to assist women in this phase. The breast is known to undergo temperature changes due to numerous factors, and Infrared Thermography is a feature that can capture this skin temperature. The need to deepen knowledge about the relationship between breastfeeding and lactation is still current today. Thermographic reference values of the breasts in the immediate postpartum period need to be traced in order to facilitate future studies that can more effectively lead breastfeeding as well as to investigate the effectiveness of interventions that facilitate breastfeeding is also of paramount importance. Objective: Study 1) To draw a sociodemographic, clinical and thermographic profile of breasts of postpartum mothers at Maternity and School Januário Cicco (MEJC); Study 2) Compare 2 intervention programs in the lactation of women in the immediate postpartum period through massage and warm compress on the breasts. Methodology: Study 1) This is a cross-sectional project; Study 2) This is a randomized controlled trial. Maternity and School Januário Cicco (MEJC). Initially the cross-sectional study was performed and later the clinical trial. The sample size calculation for the clinical trial will be according to a previous pilot study of 50 women. We included puerperal women aged 18 to 40 years, without any impossibility to practice breastfeeding, and who agreed to participate in the research by signing the Informed Consent - IC. For the clinical trial, the volunteers were divided into three groups: Group 1 (G1), intervention through manual breast massage and breastfeeding guidance; Group 2 (G2), intervention with hot compress and breastfeeding guidance; and Group 3 (G3), control group, being oriented about breastfeeding. All volunteers were evaluated by a form containing pre, peri and postpartum information. A breastfeeding assessment form and quality of life questionnaire were also used. As for the interventions, they were made for about 20 minutes in total, in an environment with brightness, temperature and humidity control. Expected Outcomes: It is expected to draw a clinical and thermographic profile of the breasts of women who are assisted in the Januário Cicco Maternity School wards, in addition to electing the most appropriate approach to stimulate lactation in the immediate postpartum period.