Effect of Reflexology on Postpartum Comfort and Lactation after Cesarean Delivery among Primiparous Mothers

Background: Reflexology is the practice of an alternative or additional therapy of applying direct pressure to certain locations on the feet, hands, and ears for promoting natural healing that enhances comfort and increases lactation in mothers. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate effect of reflexology on postpartum comfort and lactation after cesarean delivery among primiparous mothers. Methods: A quasi-experimental design (experimental and control groups) was adopted at the obstetric department at Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura City, Egypt. A purposive sample of 100 primiparous post-cesarean delivery mothers was divided into experimental and control groups (50 per group). Data were collected using a structured Interview Questionnaire, Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire, Breastfeeding Charting System, Visual Analogue Scale, and Visual Analogue Satisfaction Patient Scale. Results: The postpartum comfort mean scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group. The first lactation period in the experimental group was shorter than the control, and the mean scores of the breastfeeding chart system and breastfeeding satisfaction in the experimental group were considerably higher than the control group. Breast signs of lactation mean scores on day 2 in the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group. Conclusion: Reflexology is a successful technique that improved postpartum comfort, induced lactation earlier, and supported breastfeeding in primiparous mothers who had cesarean deliveries. Recommendations: Reflexology should be used during postpartum as a non-pharmacological technique to increase postpartum comfort and encourage primiparous mothers to breastfeed earlier.