Effect of Foot Reflexology and Benson Relaxation on Pain, Breastfeeding and Weight of Neonates of Women Undergoing a Cesarean Section
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
Given the negative effect of postoperative pharmacological pain control on breastfeeding, the present study aimed to compare the effects of reflexology and Benson relaxation methods on pain, breastfeeding, and infant weight gain in women undergoing a cesarean section (C/S). This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 135 women undergoing a C/S in the Gynecology Ward of Bushehr Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital in Bushehr, Iran, in 2020. The participants were selected using convenience sampling, and randomly divided into three groups of foot reflexology, Benson relaxation, and control. The interventions were performed two hours post-operation and six hours after the first intervention. The pain score was measured and recorded immediately, and 30 and 60 minutes after each intervention. Breastfeeding frequency and duration were also assessed in the first 18 hours of birth. The infants' weight was assessed at birth and 10 days later. Data analysis was performed using inferential statistics, chi-square or Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U or one-way ANOVA, Wilcoxon test and logistic regression analysis. There was a larger decrease in the pain score of the reflexology and Benson relaxation (PPPP<0.05) than the control group. Both the reflexology and the Benson relaxation methods effectively decreased pain and increased breastfeeding frequency and the infant's weight gain.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓Both foot reflexology and Benson relaxation significantly reduced postoperative pain scores in women undergoing cesarean section compared to the control group.
- ✓Foot reflexology and Benson relaxation improved breastfeeding frequency and duration in the first 18 hours after cesarean delivery.
- ✓Non-pharmacological interventions like reflexology and Benson relaxation offer pain management alternatives that do not negatively affect infant breastfeeding and weight gain.
What This Means for You
If you're having a cesarean section, foot reflexology or guided relaxation may help reduce your pain and support better breastfeeding, though this benefit has been demonstrated in one moderate-sized study and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
What This Means for Practitioners
This RCT provides good evidence that foot reflexology performed at 2 and 8 hours post-cesarean can significantly reduce pain and support breastfeeding outcomes, offering a practical, non-pharmacological tool for postoperative recovery in obstetric settings.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
If you're having a cesarean section, foot reflexology or guided relaxation may help reduce your pain and support better breastfeeding, though this benefit has been demonstrated in one moderate-sized study and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
What did this study find?
Both foot reflexology and Benson relaxation significantly reduced postoperative pain scores in women undergoing cesarean section compared to the control group. Foot reflexology and Benson relaxation improved breastfeeding frequency and duration in the first 18 hours after cesarean delivery. Non-pharmacological interventions like reflexology and Benson relaxation offer pain management alternatives that do not negatively affect infant breastfeeding and weight gain.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 135 participants. It was published in Archives of Iranian medicine. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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