Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Associate Professor, Department of Midwifery, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
2
PhD of Midwifery, Health Deputy, Family Health Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3
PhD of Midwifery, Department of Midwifery, Islamic Azad University, Marand Branch, Marand, Iran
4
PhD Student of Midwifery, Department of Midwifery, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
5
Librarian is of Nursing and Midwifery School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Ahvaz, Iran
10.22038/jmrh.2024.73794.2154
Abstract
Background and aim: The research on foot reflexology (FR) for lactation and its impact on increasing breast milk volume is scarce, and evaluation results are mixed. The aim of this study was to prove the efficacy of FR on lactation and breast milk volume in mothers who breastfeed.
Methods: The search strategies were directed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar without restriction on time or languages until February, 30, 2023.. The quality of the included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was evaluated by the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB). The main results were analyzed in RevMan 5.1.
Results: Six RCTs were included in the final analysis. In two studies, including 167 women, lactation was evaluated using LATCH (latch audible swallowing, type of nipple, comfort and hold) score. The use of FR was found to significantly increased LATCH score (MD = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.57 – 1.38, P < 0.001). The study showed no significant differences between two comparison groups in terms of breast milk volume (MD: 2.52, CI 95% (0.04- 5.01); P = 0.05) and symptoms of onset of lactation in breastfeeding mothers (breast tension, heat and pain) on the first day after intervention; However, the two groups were significantly different relating to symptoms of onset of lactation on the second day after intervention.
Conclusions:
FR significantly increased LATCH score and symptoms of onset of lactation on the second day after the intervention and did not display any significant increase in volume of breast milk.
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