Impact of Back Massage on Hormonal Levels in Lactating Women

Hormones that are transferred from maternal plasma to milk during lactation play a vital role in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. This study aimed to investigate the effect of back massage on the serum levels of leptin, prolactin, and growth hormone in breastfeeding women.

Thirty women who began breastfeeding within the first hour postpartum and continued to do so at least twice within a four-hour period were randomly divided into two groups: the study group (SG; n = 15) received back massage, while the control group (CG; n = 15) received standard postnatal care. Hormone levels were measured before and after the intervention at Kafr El Sheikh University Hospital.

The results indicated:

Within-group analysis showed significant differences in the SG for leptin, prolactin, and growth hormone levels, as well as growth hormone levels in the CG and baby weight in both groups before and after the intervention.
However, there were no significant increases in leptin and prolactin levels in the CG.
Between-group analysis revealed significant differences in prolactin and growth hormone levels before the intervention, and in all hormone levels after the intervention, while leptin levels and baby weight showed no significant differences before and after the intervention.

Thus, the study concluded that back massage may enhance hormone production and growth factor levels in breast milk.

Source: El-Shamy FF, et al. Ameliorative Potential of Relaxing Back Massage on Postpartum Women's Hormones and Infant Weight. International Journal of Multiphysics. 2025;19(1). ISSN: 1750-9548. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Saied-Ibrahem/publication/389164878_Ameliorative_Potential_of_Relaxing_Back_Massage_on_Postpartum_Women's_Hormones_and_Infant_Weight/links/67b71ce696e7fb48b9c80979/Ameliorative-Potential-of-Relaxing-Back-Massage-on-Postpartum-Womens-Hormones-and-Infant-Weight.pdf

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