Effect of Acupressure and Affirmation Relaxation on Breast Milk Production and Breast Feeding Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Introduction: Current evidence from studies and systematic reviews indicates that breastfeeding is the gold standard for newborn nutrition, which is good for mom and baby.  Increased human resource development, better baby development, and higher survival rates are all benefits of breastfeeding. Compared to infants given formula, those who breastfeed for longer periods of time had better health outcomes, fewer cases of dental malocclusion, and greater intelligence levels.  Breastfeeding may also protect children from developing diabetes and obesity, according to the evidence.

Material and methods: Sixty healthy primiparous mothers suffering from scanty milk secretion were participated in this study. They wear selected from outpatient clinic of Al Azhar University Outpatient Clinic. The individuals' ages varied from 20 to 30 years old, and their BMI was below 30 kg/m2.  The following conditions were not present in any of the participants: postpartum hemorrhage, poor mammary growth, cardiopulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, breast tumors, recurrent pregnancy while breastfeeding, mental disorders, history of chest, breast, or surrounding area surgery, anemia, having twins, or medication that prevented them from nursing normally (such as mastitis, a retracted, cracked, inflamed, or inverted nipple).  There were an equivalent number of women in the study group (A) and the control group (B) who were selected at random to participate. Study group (A): involved 30 healthy primiparous mothers suffering from scanty milk, were given a four-week course of acupressure at the subsequent points: Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao), Liver 3 (Taichong), and Small Intestine 1 (Shaoze), and positive relaxation techniques in addition to medical therapy. Study group (B): consisted of 30 healthy primiparous mothers suffering from scanty milk, received medical treatment only (10 mg domperidone 3 sessions a day after meals all through the treatment period) for 4 weeks. Assessment of the degree of improvement in the flow of milk, Serum prolactin level and the weight of the baby were performed before and after the end of the treatment procedures (4 weeks) for both groups (A&B) before and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Result: Study group (group A) had statistically significant greater post - treatment values (p<0.05) of baby weight and prolactin concentrations in comparison with control group (group B), and no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) among both groups (A&B) in the pre-treatment values in baby weight and prolactin concentrations.

Conclusion: Combining affirmation relaxation and acupressure has an impact in improving milk production as well as breastfeeding self-efficacy.