Changes in Breast Milk Production Following Lactation Massage Among Postpartum Mothers: A Quasi-Experimental Study
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Abstract
This study aimed to examine changes in breast milk production following lactation massage among postpartum mothers receiving care at Bajoe Public Health Center, Bone Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. A quantitative quasi-experimental study using a one-group pretest-posttest design was conducted from February to April 2026. Twenty postpartum mothers who met the eligibility criteria and agreed to participate were included in the study. The intervention consisted of standardized lactation massage administered once daily for six consecutive days, from postpartum day 2 to postpartum day 7. Each session lasted 15–20 minutes and was conducted in the morning. Breast milk production was assessed before and after the intervention using a 10-item observation instrument originating from Rohmatika (2021). Each item was scored dichotomously, and the total score was categorized as poor, adequate, or good breast milk production. Descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test were used for data analysis. The results showed that before the intervention, 17 participants (85%) were classified as having poor breast milk production and three participants (15%) as having adequate production. No participant was classified as having good production. After six consecutive days of lactation massage, all 20 participants (100%) were classified as having good breast milk production. The median score increased from 3 at pretest to 9 at posttest. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test showed a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores (p < 0.001). Breast milk production scores improved significantly following lactation massage. However, the one-group pretest-posttest design, absence of a comparison group, small sample, variation in postpartum timing, and potential uncontrolled confounding factors limit causal interpretation. The findings provide preliminary evidence that supports further controlled research on lactation massage as a complementary component of postpartum care.
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