Insights & Discussion
Breast massage eases pain and symptoms in breastfeeding problems.
This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of breast massage as a treatment for breastfeeding problems. It focuses on outcomes like pain reduction, increased milk supply, and resolution of issues like blocked ducts and mastitis. While breastfeeding is crucial for infant health, rates drop, and complications like mastitis contribute. The review covers studies from 1980 to 2017, including six diverse studies. Although outcomes varied due to different interventions and small sample sizes, all reported reduced pain. However, lack of detailed technique explanation and training hinder replicability. This research is valuable for healthcare professionals, suggesting a need for standardized measurement tools and more robust trials.
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Oxytocin massage using lavender aromatherapy oil can significantly boost breast milk production in postpartum mothers.
2022 Babali Nursing Research Midwifery Complementary Treatment with The Application of Oxytocin Massage Using Lavender Aromatherapy Oil on Breast Milk Production in Postpartum Mothers Widiastuti NMR, Arini KN, Yuniati MG
Randomised Controlled Trial Oxytocin Postpartum Care
In this study, a quasi-experimental design was employed which involved pre-testing and post-testing with a control group. The participant mothers were divided into two groups. The intervention group received oxytocin massages using lavender aromatherapy oil, beginning on the second postpartum day. Contrarily, the control group got breastfeeding assistance without the massage intervention. In both groups, breast milk production was evaluated on the sixth day through the usage of a breast pump.
The collected results indicated a notable effect of oxytocin massage with the application of lavender aromatherapy oil on maternal milk production. It was hence surmised that this combined approach could effectively enhance breast milk production in women after giving birth.
Date fruit consumption appears to be useful for promoting and increasing breast milk quantity in breastfeeding mothers. Date fruits may be an alternative galactagogue.
2021 Breastfeeding Medicine The Effects of Date Fruit Consumption on Breast Milk Quantity and Nutritional Status of Infants Modepeng T, Pavadhgul P, Bumrungpert A, Kitipichai W
Randomised Controlled Trial Breastfeeding Date Fruit Galactagogues
Breastfeeding mothers who received 10 date fruits/day had an 11% increase in breast milk quantity from baseline to week 2, and a 23% increase from baseline to week 4, (both p < 0.05). The breast milk quantity of the breastfeeding mothers who received date fruits was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). However, there were no differences in infant nutritional status.
Gua sha therapy may be more effective than hot packs with massage for reducing breast pain.
2020 Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Treatments for breast engorgement during lactation Zakarija-Grkovic I, Stewart F
Systematic Review Breastfeeding Gua Sha
In this version of the review, 21 studies involving 2170 breastfeeding women were analysed. A range of interventions for the treatment of breast engorgement were tested. These included: cabbage leaves, various compresses (ginger, cactus/aloe, hollyhock), massage plus cactus and aloe compress, acupuncture, ultrasound, acupressure, scraping therapy (Gua Sha), cold breast‐packs, electromechanical massage, Oketani breast massage, and medical treatments (serrapeptase, protease, oxytocin). Six studies used individual breasts as the unit of analysis making it difficult to evaluate the true effect of the studied intervention. Due to the heterogeneous interventions, we were unable to pool results in meta‐analysis; hence, a qualitative analysis resulted in the following findings.
Antenatal perineal massage reduces severe perineal trauma and postpartum complications.
2020 International Urogynecology Journal Antenatal perineal massage benefits in reducing perineal trauma and postpartum morbidities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Abdelhakim AM, Eldesouky E, Elmagd IA, Mohammed A, Farag EA, Mohammed AE, et al.
Systematic Review Perineal Massage Postpartum Care
This meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials involving 3467 patients found that antenatal perineal massage significantly reduces the risk of perineal tears and episiotomy, especially severe tears. Additionally, it leads to shorter second-stage labor, less postpartum perineal pain, and improved wound healing. While some heterogeneity and publication bias were noted, this study supports the routine recommendation of antenatal perineal massage for labor preparation, emphasizing its benefits in reducing perineal trauma and improving obstetric outcomes. Further research with larger sample sizes is encouraged to confirm these findings and explore additional benefits, such as postpartum sexual satisfaction and incontinence reduction.
Aromatherapy enhances physio-psychological well-being in postpartum women.
2019 Journal of Nursing Research The Effects of Aromatherapy on Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review TSAI SS, WANG HH, CHOU FH
Systematic Review Anxiety Aromatherapy Lavender
This systematic review encompassed 15 studies conducted in Iran, England, and the United States, involving 2,131 postpartum participants. The research focused on evaluating aromatherapy's effects on various aspects of postpartum health. Aromatherapy interventions, primarily utilizing lavender and citrus aurantium essential oils, demonstrated positive outcomes. These included relief from nipple fissure pain, improved episiotomy recovery, reduced pain and nausea after cesarean section delivery, and enhanced sleep quality. Additionally, aromatherapy showed potential in positively influencing psychological health, particularly in reducing anxiety. Lavender oil emerged as the most impactful essential oil. While promising, further comprehensive studies are needed to establish aromatherapy as a validated therapy for postpartum women.
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