Positive Health Online

Abstract

KIERNAN, Cayuga Community College, Auburn, NJ, USA, jkiernan@ computer-connection.net, examined the subjective effects of therapeutic touch during home visits in women following childbirth.

Background

Methodology

5 women who had recently given birth received therapeutic touch during home visits during a 2-month period. The visits, which were audiotaped and transcribed, focused on postpartum problems and concerns. Data were coded and categorized, and were analysed for associations between categories.

Results

From the women’s experiences, 5 main themes were identified: ‘feeling relaxed’, ‘feeling open’, ‘feeling cared for’, ‘feeling connected’ and ‘feeling sceptical’.

Conclusion

The home visits resulted in the experience of many positive emotions for both the women and the researchers carrying out the visits, which included feelings of mutual caring. It is not certain whether the visits per se, the interaction, or the therapeutic touch was responsible for the particular experiences encountered.

References

Kiernan J. The experience of Therapeutic Touch in the lives of five postpartum women. The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing 27 (1): 47-53. Jan-Feb 2002.