Abstract
This non-randomized controlled study was carried out in order to compare the efficiency
of simple breast massage with breast massage combined with warm compress
regarding milk production in 1,150 non-complicated postpartum women in five district
hospitals of Sakhon Nakhon Province. The subjects were assigned to two groups. The
first group of 567 pregnant women went into labor during the period 1 October 2005 - 31
March 2006. The second group comprised 583 pregnant women who went into labor
during the period 1 April 2006 - 30 September 2006. The first group had only simple
breast massage after vaginal delivery. The second group had breast massage with a warm
compress after vaginal delivery. The proportion of pregnant women producing milk within
six hours, and within 48 hours post partum was measured. The proportion of pregnant
women in whom the production of milk started within six hours post partum: 1st group
and 2nd group, was 61.9/97.1 percent respectively; those producing milk within 48 hours
post partum: 1st group and 2nd group was 75/98.8 percent respectively. The differences
were statistically significant (p < 0.001) in both groups. The conclusion of this study is
that breast massage with a warm compress is a better method than breast massage alone
in promoting milk production within six hours post partum and effectual milk production
within 48 hours post partum.
