Flower therapy in the evolution of childbirth and in the painanxiety-stress triad: quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of flower therapy on the evolution of labor and on the pain-anxiety-stress triad of women during birth. Methods: Quasi-experimental study conducted from May to July 2018 in the obstetric center of a reference hospital for low-risk birth care in southern Brazil with 60 participants (30 in the control group and 30 in the floral group). The intervention consisted of administering Bach Flower Remedies during labor combined with compounds capable of restoring emotional balance in situations of pain, anxiety and stress with the addition of 99.75% organic French brandy at 30% to 0.25% of the mother tincture. The placebo group received a combined water mix with added 99.75% organic French brandy at 30% to 0.25% of the mother tincture. Both were put in 30 ml dropper bottles of the same size, shape and characteristic. In the analysis, the t test was used to compare the variables studied before and after the intervention, and between groups. Results: Variables analyzed such as cervical dilation, uterine contractions, oxytocin, cortisol and duration of labor showed significant differences for the floral group compared to placebo. Conclusion: Flower therapy can be an alternative for women during labor, as it helps in the progression of labor without harming the newborn.