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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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.
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.
Fenugreek improves breast milk production in mothers and increases the weight gain of newborns during their first week of life.
2020 Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health Effect of fenugreek on breast milk production and weight gain among Infants in the first week of life Ravi R, Joseph J
Randomised Controlled Trial Breast Milk Breastfeeding Fenugreek
The study was an experimental design carried out in two groups, a control and an experimental group, at a maternity centre in Bangalore. A total of sixty postnatal mothers were selected and split evenly between the two groups. For the experimental group, 7.5 grams of fenugreek was steeped overnight; this resulting fenugreek water was then given to these participants once in the morning for one week. The study then assessed and compared the frequency of urination and weight of the infants between the two groups at different points: on the first, third, fifth, and seventh days.
There was identifiable improvement in indicators of sufficient breast milk in the group that consumed the fenugreek compared to the control group. The influence of fenugreek on breast milk was identifiable through increased frequency of urination and weight gain in infants in their first week.
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.
Acupoint massage enhances acute mastitis treatment.
2019 Journal of Integrative Nursing Efficacy of Acupoint Massage Versus Normal Treatments for Acute Mastitis: A Systematic Review Hui JU, Xue-Ling MA, Hong GUO, Hai-Yan WANG, You-Hua LIU, Luo YANG, et al.
Systematic Review Mastitis
Acupoint massage proves effective in treating acute mastitis, as per a systematic review of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 2056 patients. The analysis indicates that acupoint massage enhances clinical treatment efficiency, shortens onset time, reduces lump size, and alleviates symptoms. However, it shows no significant impact on recurrence or cure rates. While this evidence supports acupoint massage as a beneficial adjunct therapy for acute mastitis, the need for higher-quality studies is emphasized to further validate these findings.
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