Effect of foot reflexology on breast engorgement among lactating mothers

Background: Breast engorgement is a very common and painful postnatal condition that affects
both the mother and the newborn. Breast engorgement is the distention and swelling of the breast,
that precedes true lactation. Postpartum reflexology has huge health benefits for the mother and the
newborn. It increases the health and well-being of women and provides a comforting and nurturing
environment for both mother and baby. Aim: To evaluate the effects of foot reflexology on lactating
mothers’ breast engorgement. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was used.
Conducted at the postpartum outpatient follow up, Minia University Hospital for Obstetrics and
Pediatrics, Egypt; with a sample size of 100 lactating mothers divided into two groups (study and
control), each with 50 women. The structured interview, the six-point engorgement scale, the Visual
Analogue Scale, and the breastfeeding LATCH Scale were the four tools used. Foot reflexology was
implemented in the study group. Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference
between the study and control groups regarding the level of breast engorgement after the
intervention. Conclusion: For the management of breast engorgement, foot reflexology proved to
be an efficient non-pharmacological therapy. Recommendations: Planning and developing
antenatal classes for all women to improve their knowledge and self-care practices regarding foot
reflexology as a method to manage breast engorgement.