EFFECT OF FOOT REFLEXOLOGY ON LACTATION - A PILOT STUDY

Introduction and background: The postpartum period is started after the delivery of the fetus and this period is about 6 weeks to 8 weeks. In this period, mother undergoes with have many changes such as emotionally and physiologically and learns how to do adjust with this type of problems. During this time Mother produces breast milk which is secreted by mammary glands located within the fatty tissue of the breast, called as Lactation. Breast milk is a most important form of nutrient for the new born. Most of the women are able to produce enough breast milk but some women are unable to produce enough breast milk because of many factors such as stress, fatigue, anxiety.This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology on lactation among postnatal women. Methodology: The research approach used was quantitative approach. Quasi experimental, Pretest posttest control group design was used. The study was conducted for 10 postnatal women of central Gujarat were conveniently selected (experimental group (5) and control group (5)). The tool of data collection included a Bio-demographic and maternal variables Performa and LATCH assessment tool. The intervention given to postnatal women by application of pressure with the thumb and index finger by acupressure thumb on the big toe of the each foot for 10 minutes each with a rest interval of 5 minutes in between each feet pressure session for 3 consecutive days. . In control group, the foot reflexology did not administer. Result: The data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study result shown that there was increase in mean score of lactation after application of foot reflexology. In LATCH assessment tool the result showed increase in all the parameters from pre-treatment mean score to post- treatment mean score which was latch (before 0.80, after 1.80), audible swallowing (before 0.60, after 1.60), type of nipple (before 1.60, after 2.00), comfort (before 2.00, after 2.00) and hold (before 1.40, after 1.80). Conclusion: Hence, the study concluded that there is a positive impact of foot reflexology on lactation. There is a significantly increase lactation among postnatal women after application of foot reflexology.