A Comparative study to Assess the Effectiveness of Acupressure Vs Reflexology on Lactation among Immediate Postnatal Mothers in Selected Hospitals

God created women with an innate ability to feed her neonate with breast milk which is naturally healthy, economical, convenient and important for proper development. Breast milk is best for the neonate. Mother is the greatest gift from God to the world. Every woman should be respected and supported. Child birth creates an immense joy in the whole family. It is a joy and expectation of the entire family1, 2, 3

Mother is a person who can completely fulfill the needs of the new born baby in the early neonatal period by feeding her neonate with breast milk.4 The postpartum period involves the mother passing through many changes emotionally and physically.5

The word lactation is derived from a Latin word lactan which means sucking. The word which is used to refer to the action of lactating comes from the word lactate which means to produce and to supply breast milk to feed the baby. Lactation is under the control of numerous endocrine glands particularly the pituitary hormones prolactin and oxytocin.6 Lactation is influenced by the sucking process and by maternal emotions. Milk production is influenced by the maternal well being. Child birth and breast feeding are unique experience in the life of each woman. Human milk is remarkable and renewable resource. It cannot be duplicated. Human milk has no substitute and the breast is the natural apparatus for feeding the baby.7

Breast milk is not only the best, but also must for the wellbeing of the babies. Lack of feeding especially exclusive breast feeding during the first few days of baby’s life is important. W.H.O. estimates that 1.5 millions of infant’s life can be saved each year through breast feeding.8 Breast feeding is the most important thing for every mother and baby. It is the unique experience to be cherished.