A comparative study to assess the effectiveness of education on breastfeeding with almond oil massage versus education on breast feeding on adequacy of breast feeding among postnatal mothers who have undergone LSCS in a selected hospital, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of education on breastfeeding combined with almond oil massage versus education alone on breastfeeding adequacy among postnatal mothers who underwent lower-segment caesarean section (LSCS).

Methods: A quasi-experimental design with pretest and post-test measures was employed, involving 40 post-LSCS mothers, divided into two groups. Group 1 received breastfeeding education along with almond oil massage, while Group 2 received only breastfeeding education. Data were collected using a breastfeeding knowledge checklist, breast milk adequacy observational checklist, and LATCH assessment tool.

Results: The results demonstrated significant improvements in breastfeeding knowledge, milk adequacy, and latch scores in both groups. Group 1 showed more pronounced improvements: breastfeeding knowledge increased from a mean of 5.30 to 9.90, breast milk adequacy scores rose from 7.70 to 18.60, and latch scores improved from 4.15 to 9.40. Group 2 also showed improvements, with breastfeeding knowledge increasing from 5.80 to 9.55, milk adequacy from 7.85 to 14.50, and latch scores from 4.35 to 8.80.

Conclusion: The study concludes that combining educational interventions with almond oil massage significantly enhances breastfeeding outcomes for post-LSCS mothers. Group 1, which received both interventions, showed greater improvements, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional aspects of breastfeeding.