Effect of almond oil breast massage on breast milk adequacy among postnatal primigravida mothers undergoing lower segment cesarean section

Background: Postcesarean mothers often experience delayed lactogenesis II due to surgical stress and reduced oxytocin levels. Almond oil breast massage is a nonpharmacological intervention thought to enhance prolactin release and improve milk production. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of almond oil massage on breast milk adequacy among primigravida lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) mothers. Materials and Methods: A randomized pretest–posttest control group design was conducted among 60 primigravida mothers post-LSCS, randomly assigned to experimental ( n = 30) and control ( n = 30) groups. The experimental group received three daily almond oil breast massages (5–10 mL; 5 min/breast) for 3 days; controls received routine care. Breast milk adequacy was measured using a validated 16-item rating scale at baseline and day 4 post-intervention. Results: The mean breast milk adequacy scores increased from 29.30 ± 1.915 to 39.80 ± 1.690 in the experimental group ( t = 22.15, P < 0.001). Control group change (29.93 ± 2.132–30.27 ± 2.116) was non-significant ( t = 0.776, P > 0.05). Posttest scores between the two groups differed significantly between groups ( t = 19.282, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Almond oil breast massage significantly enhances breast milk adequacy in post-LSCS mothers and can be integrated into routine postnatal nursing care.