Oxytocin massage and music investigated for improving milk ejection reflex and breastfeeding self-efficacy postpartum

Insufficient milk supply in the early postpartum period is a significant challenge for new mothers, often leading to premature cessation of breastfeeding. Current interventions sometimes fall short, and non-pharmacological approaches are highly sought after. While oxytocin is known for its role in the milk ejection reflex, comprehensive randomized controlled trials examining the combined effect of oxytocin massage and music on both the reflex and breastfeeding self-efficacy are notably limited. This gap highlights the need for robust evidence on accessible, supportive methods to improve breastfeeding outcomes.

This study investigated the impact of oxytocin massage and music on breastfeeding outcomes in mothers with insufficient milk supply. Participants assigned to the experimental group received a single session of oxytocin massage applied by the researcher to the thoracic paravertebral region (T4-T6 level) using rhythmic and circular movements for 20-30 minutes immediately after birth, prior to breastfeeding. The primary endpoints were the milk ejection reflex and breastfeeding self-efficacy. The study design was a randomized controlled trial, aiming to provide high-level evidence for this non-pharmacological intervention, likely comparing to standard care or a control group.

The provided abstract outlines the study's aim and hypotheses but does not present any specific findings, numerical results, or statistical analyses. Therefore, no data regarding the effect of oxytocin massage and music on milk ejection reflex or breastfeeding self-efficacy can be reported from this abstract. The study's objective was to examine these effects, but the outcomes are not detailed here.