1. Chapter 34
Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Maternity and Pediatric Nursing

2. Definition of CAM Therapies
Complementary therapy
Nontraditional therapy that is used with traditional or conventional therapy
Alternative therapy
Unconventional or nontraditional that replaces conventional or traditional therapy
Also known as
Integrative therapies
Integrative healing
Holistic healing

3. Nurse’s Role in CAM Therapy
Cultural competence is a sensitivity and respect for practices and philosophies different from one’s own
The need for nurses to understand CAM therapy, how it can be used, and how it may interact with or enhance traditional medical and nursing care are important
Nurses need to understand basic underlying philosophies and beliefs concerning CAM interventions

4. Nurse’s Role in CAM Therapy (cont.)
Is not to promote CAM therapy but to recognize and respect its use
Use critical thinking skills to determine interactions with traditional therapies
Work with the patient as a partner in the delivery of health care
Cultural competence is a sensitivity and respect for practices and philosophies different from one’s own
Understand CAM therapy, how it can be used, and how it may interact with or enhance traditional medical and nursing care are important
Understand basic underlying philosophies and beliefs concerning CAM interventions

5. Cautions in CAM Therapy
Herbs can
Interact with cardiac drugs
Affect glucose control in patients with diabetes
Lower the concentration of some synthetic drugs
Lower the blood level of some medications for HIV/AIDS
See Table 34-1 pg. 762
Polypharmacy should be avoided; the use of some drugs with herbal remedies can be dangerous

6. Massage Thought to bolster immune response
Rolfing—thought to improve muscle and bone function
Perineal massage in preparation for labor
Effleurage—pain relief
Gentle touch—for premature infants
Massage and manipulative therapy are contraindicated in patients with: Downs syndrome, cancer, osteoporosis, infection, cardiac/circulatory disorders

7. Acupuncture and Acupressure
Complex meridians that are pathways to specific organs or parts of the body
It is at these points that positive or negative energy can be realigned
“Chi” energy is thought to regulate proper body function
Points to avoid during pregnancy are
Bottom of foot
Inner lower leg
Base of thumb
Most areas over abdomen

8. Homeopathy Uses plants, herbs, and earth minerals
Belief that disease is an energy imbalance and that prescribed remedies assist the body to reestablish correct balance
Taken sublingually
Don’t combine with caffeine, alcohol, or traditional Western medicine
Only one remedy is administered at a time

9. Aromatherapy
Involves the use of concentrated fluid or the essence of specific herbs that are combined with steams or baths to inhale or bathe the skin
NOTE: Concentrated pure oils can cause burns on the skin if used incorrectly
Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood essential oils are useful in aromatherapy for children with chronic pain

10. Chiropractic Care
Deals with the relationship between the spinal column and nervous system
Involves nerve energy thought to be responsible for restoring and maintaining health

11. Herbal Remedies Powerful nutritional agents Most are safe to ingest
Herbal remedies consumed during pregnancy can reach the fetus
Herbal capsules are about 4 times stronger than herbal teas
Herbal extracts are about 4 to 8 times stronger than capsules

12. Herbs
Herbs used for pediatrics: feverfew, fish oil, ginger, ginko biloba, ginseng, blue-green algae, chamomile, ephedra, echinacea, evening primrose oil, fennel seed oil
Herbs used during menopause: black cohash, sage, chasteberry, Motherwart
Contraindicated during pregnancy & lactation: aloe vera, ginko biloba, garlic, St.john’s wart, flax, ginseng, feverfew, ephedra, chamomile

13. Elsevier items and derived items © 2011, 2007, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.