EFFECTIVENESS OF BOM METHOD (BREAST CARE, OXYTOCIN MASSAGE AND MARMET TECHNIQUE) ON BREAST MILK SECRETION AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS ADMITTED IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, PUDUCHERRY

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: In the wake of the latest edition of the National Family Health Survey (2022) in India, the alarmingly high rate of Caesarean sections, standing at approximately 21.5%, has emerged as a poignant concern. It has been observed that women undergoing Caesarean sections are more prone to experiencing delayed onset of lactation compared to those who deliver vaginally. Thus, there is an urgent call for interventions aimed at stimulating the vital hormones prolactin and oxytocin to facilitate postnatal breastfeeding. Quest for Nourishment: In response to this pressing need, the Breast Care, Oxytocin Massage, and Marmet Technique (BOM) emerge as promising avenues to enhance breast milk secretion among postnatal mothers, particularly those who have undergone lower segment Caesarean sections (LSCS). The objective of this study is to meticulously evaluate the effectiveness of the BOM method in augmenting breast milk production among postnatal mothers, thereby addressing the formidable challenges posed by delayed lactation onset.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was meticulously crafted to explore the efficacy of the BOM method. The sample size was determined, and postnatal mothers who had undergone LSCS were meticulously selected using a lottery method, ensuring fair representation. Both experimental and control groups, comprising 30 participants each, were subjected to rigorous evaluation. The efficacy of the BOM method was assessed through a modified tool for breast milk secretion adequacy on the first postnatal day, with interventions administered to the experimental group twice daily for three days, each session lasting 45 minutes.

Outcomes: The findings of this study reveal a significant and noteworthy improvement in breast milk secretion among the experimental group, with statistical analysis yielding compelling evidence (t-32.746, ρ value <0.001). These results underscore the effectiveness of the BOM method in nurturing increased breast milk secretion among postnatal mothers who have undergone LSCS, thus heralding a promising breakthrough in maternal and infant healthcare.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the efficacy of the BOM method, characterized by its amalgamation of breast care, oxytocin massage, and the Marmet technique, stands affirmed as a formidable strategy in bolstering breast milk production among postnatal mothers. Not only does this intervention hold profound implications for maternal and infant health, but its cost-effectiveness and simplicity also render it readily implementable within healthcare settings, underscoring its potential as a transformative force in nurturing the well-being of mothers and their newborns.