J Korean Acad Nurs.  2011 Aug;41(4):451-459. 10.4040/jkan.2011.41.4.451.

Effects of Breast Massage on Breast Pain, Breast-milk Sodium, and Newborn Suckling in Early Postpartum Mothers

• Ahn S
• Kim J
• Cho J

• KMID: 1018330
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2011.41.4.451

Abstract

PURPOSE
In this study the effects of breast massage on breast pain, breast-milk sodium, and newborn suckling in early postpartum mothers were investigated.
METHODS
The design was a non-synchronized nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Sixty postpartum mothers who were admitted to a postpartum care center and had problems with breastfeeding were recruited. Of these mothers, 44 were assigned to the intervention group and received two 30-minute breast massages within 10 days of postpartum period. The others were assigned control group and received only routine care. Breast pain was measured using a numeric pain scale and number of times newborns suckled was observed throughout breastfeeding. Breast milk was self-collected to evaluate breast-milk sodium.
RESULTS
Mean age of postpartum mothers was 30 years old. Compared to the control group, women in the intervention group reported significant decreases in breast pain (p<.001), increases in number of times newborns suckled after the first and second massage (p<.001), and a decrease in breast-milk sodium after the first massage (p=.034).
CONCLUSION
Breast massage may have effects on relieving breast pain, decreasing breast-milk sodium, and improving newborn suckling. Breast massage can be used to solve breast problems. Further research is needed to validate our findings.

Keyword

Breast feeding; Massage; Pain; Sodium; Sucking behavior

MeSH Terms

Adult
*Breast Feeding
Female
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Lactation
Male
*Massage
Mastodynia/*therapy
Milk, Human/*chemistry
Postpartum Period
Sodium/*analysis

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