The effect of foot reflexology massage on breast milk volume of mothers with premature infants: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: Limited evidence suggests there may be some beneficial effects of reflexology on breast milk supply. This study aimed to determine effect of foot reflexology on breast milk volume of mothers with premature infants. Methods: Nursing mothers who had not initiated breastfeeding and had premature infants aged 7-54 days and gestational age of 28-34 weeks, were randomly assigned into two groups. In both groups, foot massage was done once daily for seven days, 10 min for each foot including general massage of foot soles for the first 5 min. For the second 5 min, massage was for breast, pituitary and solar plexus related areas in the intervention and for unrelated areas in the control group. Results: One out of 37 mothers in each group received the massage only on the first day. Outcomes were assessed in all mothers on days 1, 4 and 7 following intervention. In the intervention group compared with control group, there was greater increase in milk volume expressed following massage on the 7th day [median (Q1, Q3) 7 mL (4.5, 10) vs. 1 (-1, 2), P < 0.001], and in daily milk volume on 4th [14 (3.5, 55) vs. 3 (-3, 25), P = 0.020] and 7th day [38 (9, 107.5) vs. 5 (-3, 16), P < 0.001]. No statistically significant differences were found on the other time-points (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results show positive effect of foot reflexology on increasing breast milk of premature infants' mothers. Therefore, this preliminary study suggests that foot reflexology could be utilized by breastfeeding mothers, particularly considering its simplicity, high acceptance and no reported side effects.