The effect of reflexology to lactation hormones in early period of postpartum

Introduction: Breastfeeding is the most appropriate method for the healthy growth and development of the infants. Lactation is the process of making breast milk. In this process, hormones are thought to be effective. We aimed to look at the state and continuous anxiety levels with oxytocin, prolactin, and noradrenalin levels in order to examine the effect of reflexology, which is performed on hypophysis and reproductive organs and lumbosacral area in the early postpartum period, on the lactation hormones. Material and Method: This study was conducted at CBÜ Health High School and Hafsa Sultan Hospital Ward of Obstetrics and Gynecology. A questionnaire form comprising the information about the sociodemographic, pregnancy and delivery backgrounds and State and Trait Anxiety Scale were applied to the control group comprising 30 people and the reflexology applied group comprising 60 people (hypophysis and reproductive organs in the 1st group and lumbosacral in the 2nd group) and prolactin, oxytocin and noradrenalin levels in the collected blood of these groups were measured using Elisa method. Findings: There was not any statistically significant difference between the experimental groups 1 and 2 and the control group in terms of sociodemographic, fertility features, body mass index and visual analog scale (p<0.05). In group 1 and 2 had a statistically significant increase in their oxytocin and prolactin levels when compared to the control group. Noradrenalin levels statistically decreased in the group 1, but increased in the group 2 when compared to the control group. While there was not any difference between the experimental group 1 and 2 and the control group in terms of state anxiety scale score average, there was a statistical difference in the continuous anxiety scale score average (p<0.05). Results: Since regularly made reflexology will increase the hormones affecting lactation, there will be no need for nutritional supplements for the development of the infant, breast milk alone will be sufficient. Thus, healthier individuals will grow.