Effectiveness and Safety of Breast Massage and Herbal compress on milk ejection of postpartum mothers by Normal labor and Caesarean Section.

Abstract

This retrospective cohort study investigates the effectiveness and safety of a breast massage and herbal compress program on milk ejection in postpartum mothers who underwent either normal labor or Cesarean section. Data were collected from mothers at Rayong Hospital, in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who were diagnosed with delayed lactation, milk ejection issues, or hypogalactia. Pretest and posttest milk ejection scores were compared using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and T-test statistics. The study found statistically significant improvements in milk ejection scores (p-value <0.001) before and after the program. Specifically, the average score for milk flow increased from 0.51 to 2.06. When separated by delivery method, mothers who underwent normal labor had their scores improve from 0.71 to 2.38, while those who had a Cesarean section improved from 0.35 to 1.81. These results indicate that the breast massage and herbal compress program effectively enhances milk flow in postpartum mothers, irrespective of their delivery method. Importantly, no adverse reactions or side effects were observed, confirming the safety of the program.