Enhancing breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers through oxytocin massage interventions: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Low milk production is often a problem faced by breastfeeding mothers. Oxytocin massage is one of the non-pharmacological ways to increase breast milk production. Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the effectiveness of oxytocin massage in increasing breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Methods: This systematic review used literature search through Pubmed and Google Scholar databases. Inclusion criteria included articles published within the last five years and published in Indonesian or English. Exclusions included articles that could not be accessed in their entirety in the text, editorial or review articles, the subject and purpose of the article did not match this study or articles that did not go through the peer-reviewed process. PICO approach: (P (Population): Breastfeeding mothers, I (Intervention): Oxytocin massage, C (Comparator): not given oxytocin massage, not breastfeeding, O (Outcome): increased milk production). The articles obtained were then selected using the Preferred to as Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We then evaluated the quality of the selected articles using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist. Results: Based on the six articles analyzed, it can be concluded that oxytocin massage significantly increases milk production, on average by 10-30 ml. The most effective massage location for increasing milk production is at the Acupressure points around the breast with a gentle massage, massage is done in a circular and spiral motion.  Conclusion: In general, the results of the study support that oxytocin massage can effectively increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers. This technique should be promoted as one of the efforts to support exclusive breastfeeding