Comparison of oxytocin massage and oketani massage on breast milk production during the postpartum period

Abstract

A lack of breast milk production is one reason mothers decide to give formula milk to their babies. Insecurity and worry can inhibit the release of oxytocin and prolactin hormones, which can affect breast milk production. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for newborns because it contains nutrients and antibodies that support optimal growth and development. Breast milk production can be accelerated through non-pharmacological therapies, such as oxytocin massage and Oketani massage. This study aims to compare the effects of oxytocin massage and Oketani massage on breast milk production in postpartum mothers at Hj. Ida Midwife Independent Practice in Karawang Regency, 2024. This research method employed a quasi-experiment with a Two-Group posttest. The sample was determined using the Lemeshow formula, yielding a result of 28. The sample was divided into two groups, each group of 14 postpartum mothers. The sampling technique employs total sampling, which involves data collection using observation sheets. The results of the statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test in the oketani massage and oxytocin massage groups showed a significant difference in changes in milk volume production before and after oketani massage, with a p-value of 0.000 < α (0.05). Based on the Mann-Whitney U test on both groups, the first day p value was 0.045 < α (0.05), the second day p value was 0.024 < α (0.05), and the third day p value was 0.0036 < α (0.05). This indicates that the null hypothesis (H0) is rejected and the alternative hypothesis (H1) is accepted. Oketani massage therapy is more effective in increasing breast milk production than oxytocin massage therapy in postpartum mothers.