The Effect of Breastfeeding Relactation Intervention and Oxytocin Massage on Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and Duration of Successful Breastfeeding Relactation: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Introduction : One of the significant predictors of exclusive breastfeeding failure in Indonesia is low self-efficacy related to breastfeeding. Prior research conducted in India has indicated that breastfeeding relactation is an effective intervention to assist mothers in resuming breastfeeding. Additionally, oxytocin massage has proven effective in enhancing breast milk production. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the differences between breastfeeding relactation interventions and oxytocin massage concerning breastfeeding self-efficacy before and after the intervention and to assess the duration of successful breastfeeding relactation.
Methods: This study employed a pure pre-post test experimental design involving both an intervention group and a control group, conducted from June to December 2023. The intervention group comprised 40 mothers who desired to pursue relactation for breastfeeding. The sampling method utilized randomization through Microsoft Excel. Participants in the research were mothers who had ceased breastfeeding due to perceptions of insufficient breast milk, reliance on formula feeding, and issues related to nipple confusion and who sought to return to exclusive breastfeeding within Jember Regency, Indonesia. During the intervention phase, four midwives trained and supervised by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) facilitated relactation breastfeeding sessions. The relactation process for participants occurred across three health centre locations in Jember Regency. The mothers in the study received a relactation breastfeeding journal to monitor their progress, collected prospectively until the infant could breastfeed independently without needing relactation supplements or any food besides breast milk. To evaluate the intervention's effect, descriptive analysis and t-tests were conducted to assess differences in breastfeeding self-efficacy and the duration of successful lactation breastfeeding between the intervention and control groups.
Results : This study demonstrates a significant difference in breastfeeding self-efficacy and the duration of successful breastfeeding between the intervention group and the control group. The intervention methods, specifically relactation breastfeeding and oxytocin massage, are effective approaches for resuming breastfeeding after a cessation period.
Conclusion : Relactation interventions and oxytocin massage have been demonstrated to be effective strategies for facilitating the resumption of breastfeeding, enhancing breast milk production, and achieving successful exclusive breastfeeding for durations of up to six months or even two years or longer. Healthcare professionals must offer these interventions to mothers seeking to return to exclusive breastfeeding after a period of cessation. Additionally, implementing a self-monitoring journal for breastfeeding can be a valuable tool to improve breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers.