Ani Wulandari
Master of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia

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Effectiveness of Complementary Therapies for Breast Milk Production and Related Lactation Outcomes: A Systematic Review Ani Wulandari; Shafiah Shafiah; Ernawati Ernawati; Fatimah Azzahra; Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani
Contagion: Scientific Periodical Journal of Public Health and Coastal Health Vol 8, No 3 (2026): Contagion
Publisher : Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Medan

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30829/contagion.v8i3.30763

Abstract

Difficulties with breast milk production remain a concern among postpartum women and may contribute to early breastfeeding discontinuation. Complementary therapies have been explored to support lactation; however, the available evidence remains heterogeneous. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence regarding  complementary therapies for breast milk production and related lactation outcomes among postpartum and breastfeeding women. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for original studies published in English or Indonesian between 2021 and 2025. Eligible studies included postpartum or breastfeeding women who received herbal galactagogues, aromatherapy, reflexology, massage, or mind-body therapies, compared with usual care, placebo, or control interventions. Outcomes of interest included breast milk volume, perceived milk sufficiency, and other lactation-related  measures. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools, and findings were synthesized narratively. Eleven studies were included, comprising seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four quasi-experimental studies. Overall, the findings were favorable but heterogeneous. Herbal galactagogues consistently increased breast milk volume across various preparations. Manual and mind-body therapies, such as emotional management combined with oxytocin massage, significantly increased key lactation hormones, including oxytocin (p = 0.007) and prolactin (p = 0.006). Lavender aromatherapy was associated with adequate milk supply in up to 83.3% of mothers. Foot reflexology increased milk volume (23.51 vs. 12.43 mL), although the difference  did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.065). Complementary therapies may improve certain lactation outcomes; however, the overall  certainty of the evidence remains limited because of heterogeneity and small sample sizes. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the effectiveness and safety of these interventions.    Keywords: Breastfeeding, Complementary Therapies, Human Milk, Lactation, Postpartum