Investigating the Effect of Reflexology on the Breast Milk Volume of Preterm Infants' Mothers
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
Reflexology is an interventional method which may lead to improved breast milk. Because the mechanism of milk production is complex, detailed research is required on the relationship between lactation and reflexology. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of reflexology on the volume of milk among mothers with premature infants. This clinical trial was conducted among 50 mothers with premature infants in two groups of 25 patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Alzahra and Shahid Beheshti hospitals of Isfahan, Iran from August 2015 to November 2015. The patients were selected through convenience sampling method and divided into control and reflexology groups through random allocation. In the reflexology group, massage of the sole of the foot and foot was done in six sessions. The control group received regular breastfeeding training. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Repeated-measures analysis of variance test indicated that the mean volume of breast milk in reflexology group (F = 44.002, p F = 43.09, p t-test showed that the mean increase in milk volume from day 1 to day 5 after the intervention compared to before the intervention was significantly higher in the reflexology group compared to the control group 1days after the intervention (t=5.25, p t= 4.81, p t=3.55, p =0.001), 4 days after the intervention (t= 2.98, p =0.004), 5 days after the intervention (t= 2.50, p =0.020). The results indicate that reflexology is effective on the volume of milk of mothers, and this low-cost and easy procedure can be used along with regular lactation training.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓The study examined whether reflexology interventions could increase breast milk volume in mothers of premature infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units.
- ✓Mothers in the reflexology group received foot and sole massage across six sessions, while the control group received standard breastfeeding training.
- ✓The research employed a randomized controlled trial design with 50 mothers (25 per group) and analyzed outcomes using repeated-measures analysis of variance.
What This Means for You
This study suggests reflexology may help increase breast milk production in mothers of premature infants, though the evidence is moderate quality and results should be confirmed with larger studies.
What This Means for Practitioners
Reflexology shows promise as a complementary approach to support lactation in mothers of preterm infants, with measurable improvements in milk volume within days of treatment.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
This study suggests reflexology may help increase breast milk production in mothers of premature infants, though the evidence is moderate quality and results should be confirmed with larger studies.
What did this study find?
The study examined whether reflexology interventions could increase breast milk volume in mothers of premature infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units. Mothers in the reflexology group received foot and sole massage across six sessions, while the control group received standard breastfeeding training. The research employed a randomized controlled trial design with 50 mothers (25 per group) and analyzed outcomes using repeated-measures analysis of variance.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 50 participants. It was published in Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, a Q1 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Looking for a reflexologist?
Find practitioners who can help with the conditions studied in this research.
Find a Reflexologist