Year: 2024 | Month: July-September | Volume: 9 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 498-504
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20240356
Effect of Foot Massage in Postpartum Pain on Normal Delivery Mothers
Kathing Lanluila1, Mary V.J2
1MSc Nursing student, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing, St. John’s College of Nursing, Bengaluru, India, 560034
2Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing, St. John’s College of Nursing, Bengaluru, India, 560034
Corresponding Author: Kathing Lanluila
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this review article is to provide nurturing and emotional support as well as alleviate the muscle aches from the strain of labor and child birth.
Background: The postpartum period is a time of joy and adjustment, but it can also bring discomfort and pain. In this article, we will explore the intriguing world of foot massage and its impact on alleviating postpartum pain after normal vaginal delivery. This review article provides an insight on how a simple touch on the feet can make a significant difference in the well-being of postnatal mothers. The “postpartum period” refers to the period that begins 1 hour after the birth of the fetus and excretion of the placenta and lasts for 6 to 8 weeks, during which involution of the uterus occurs, where most of the mother’s system returns to the pre-pregnancy state, and maternal, infant, and family adjustment is achieved. Mothers experience pain at different levels during this period, as the pain thresholds of mothers vary. Although pain is subjective, mothers can generally define their pain. During the postpartum period, mothers may benefit from the nonpharmacological pain control techniques that aim to alleviate the severity of pain while eliminating the serious side effects of pharmacological methods1.
Methods: Review search through PubMed, Google scholar, Medline Plus.
Results: Several randomized control trials were reviewed and majority of the findings revealed in the reduction of pain intensity among the intervention groups in comparison to the control group. It also has an additional benefit of reducing fatigue and enhance overall maternal comfort. The potential of utilizing it as an active management of pain by the nurses during post-partum period is extensive.
Conclusions: The utilization of foot massage as a non-pharmacological pain management after normal vaginal delivery is a key factor in providing competent and holistic nursing care. With strong evidence of its benefits in reduction of pain score among mothers, the nurse must strive to educate themselves and form collaboration with certified reflexologists to promote maternal comfort and enhance their overall well-being.
Keywords: Foot massage, post-partum, pain.