Ear acupuncture for anxiety in lactating mothers: a randomized controlled trial.

Having a baby in intensive care is an incredibly stressful experience for mothers. This study is testing whether ear acupuncture — a gentle technique using tiny needles placed in specific points on the ear — can help reduce anxiety in mothers who are breastfeeding very premature or very small babies in hospital. Researchers hope this simple, drug-free approach might give mothers a sense of calm and support at a very difficult time. You may be eligible if: - You are a woman between 18 and 35 years old - You are breastfeeding (or trying to breastfeed) a baby who was born weighing less than 1,500 grams (very low birth weight) - Your baby is being cared for in a neonatal unit in Londrina, Brazil You may NOT be eligible if: - You have a serious health condition that means you should not breastfeed - There were significant complications during your birth - You are carrying or gave birth to multiple babies (e.g., twins or triplets) - You smoke - You are using medications to help produce milk (lactogogues) or taking drugs that are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.