Effects of Oxytocin Massage on Breast Milk Production in Postpartum Mothers

Abstract

This research aimed to study the effectiveness of oxytocin massage on breast milk production in postpartum mothers. The study used a quasi-experimental design with a control group and pretest-posttest measurements. The sample consisted of 68 postpartum mothers receiving continuous care in the postpartum ward at Phichit Hospital between May and August 2022. Participants were equally divided into control and experimental groups, with 34 mothers in each group. Data collection included personal information, obstetric data, infant data, and maternal stress assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparisons of milk volume across postpartum periods, milk adequacy relative to infant birth weight, and infant urination and defecation frequency. The results showed no significant difference in milk volume during the first 2-3 hours postpartum between the groups. However, significant differences in milk production were found between the control and experimental groups at 24 and 48 hours postpartum (p=00.000 for both periods). While infant weights at 24 and 48 hours showed no significant differences between groups, milk adequacy as measured by urination frequency showed significant differences at 24 hours (p=0.002) and 48 hours (p=00.001). Defecation frequency also showed significant differences between groups at 24 hours (p=0.021) and 48 hours (p=00.000). The findings demonstrate that oxytocin massage effectively promotes faster milk production and increases milk volume. This intervention should be disseminated to other healthcare facilities and offered as an option for postpartum mothers to stimulate and increase milk production.