The Effect of Breast Massage and Warm Compress Application on Milk Production and Anxiety in Mothers with Premature Newborn: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of breast massage and warm compression on milk secretion and anxiety in the mothers of premature newborns. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 120 mothers of premature newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were assigned to three intervention groups (massage, n = 30; warm compression, n = 30; massage-warm, n = 30) and one control group (n = 30). Mothers in the massage group performed massage, those in the warm compression group applied compresses, and the combined group used both methods, whereas the control group used a breast pump with no intervention. Milk production was measured in milliliters (mL) after each pumping session over 4 days, and anxiety levels were assessed at baseline and on the 4th day. Results: Mothers with premature newborns in the NICU had mean breast milk amounts of 1,321.43 ± 569.01 mL in the massage group, 1,470 ± 718.93 mL in the warm compression group, 1,484.23 ± 889.28 mL in the massage-warm group, and 913.75 ± 679.90 mL in the control group. The massage, warm compression, and massage-warm groups had significantly higher milk production than the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, anxiety levels in the intervention groups significantly decreased compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Mothers reported satisfaction with all interventions, with no significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Breast massage, warm compression, and breast massage-warm compression can be suggested as effective, simple, and cost-effective methods for increasing milk quantity and decreasing maternal anxiety.