The effect of reflexology on pain, comfort, and breastfeeding self-efficacy levels of mothers with headaches due to spinal anesthesia after caesarean section

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reflexology on pain, comfort, and breastfeeding self-efficacy levels among mothers who experienced headaches due to spinal anesthesia after cesarean section. The study utilized a randomized controlled experimental design and was conducted between January 2024 and August 2024 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Van Training and Research Hospital. The participants included mothers who had undergone cesarean sections with spinal anesthesia and experienced postpartum headaches (Intervention group: n=30, Control group: n=30). Mothers in the intervention group received foot reflexology sessions lasting 30 minutes in total, with 15 minutes applied to each foot. The control group did not receive any intervention beyond routine nursing care. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Postpartum Comfort Scale (PPCQ), and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BFSS). Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 26.0 software package, adhering to ethical principles throughout the research process. There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics of the parents between the intervention and control groups (p > 0.05). Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the pre-intervention mean scores for VAS, PPCQ, and BFSS between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, after the intervention, a statistically significant improvement was noted in favor of the intervention group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, reflexology was found to significantly reduce pain levels while enhancing postpartum comfort and breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers in the intervention group. These findings suggest that reflexology may contribute positively to the well-being of both mothers and their infants. Key words: Breastfeeding self-efficacy, Caesarean section, Comfort, Headache, Reflexology, Spinal anesthesia