IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-8-5-19174 Original Research Paper EFFECTIVENESS OF ACUPRESSURE FOR BREAST MILK PRODUCTION Seema Samudre Dr. May 2019 8 5 01 02 ABSTRACT

Background: The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data indicates, 54.9 % children are exclusively breastfed and exclusive breastfeeding is on an average for 2.9 months which is supposed to be 6 months. In India, only 41.6 % of them breastfeed within the first hour (UNICEF report 2018). Colin and Scott (2002) explains that 29% of postpartum mothers stop breastfeeding because breast milk production is less (perceived insufficient breast milk), some mothers are not capable of initiating breast–feeding due to the caesarean section or medical treatment. When the onset production of milk is delayed, the breast–feeding is also hampered.Therefore, the effort is to be made to encourage and support breastfeeding at early period. Objective: to assess the effectiveness of acupressure for breast milk production among LSCS postnatal mothers. Methods: Pre–test post–test quasi–experimental designused .Total 30 LSCS Postnatal mothers were selected for the study. The tool consisted of demographic profile, breast assessment observation checklist, breast milk volume assessment, selected infant parameters assessment, and Opinionnaire (Related to acupressure). 20 minutes Acupressure intervention for experimental group provided on 2nd, 3rd and 4th day post–LSCS delivery once in a day. Post test assessment of breast milk volume and selected infant parameters check done for both experimental and control group.Results: According to Levene’s independent t test, Day 2 t(28)=5.924 sig. 2 tailed values 0.0<0.05, and day 3 t(28)=6.032 sig. 2 tailed values 0.0<0.05, indicates statistical association between acupressure & breast milk volume for 2nd and 3rd day of intervention.Conclusion:Acupressure can be considered as prudent strategy for boosting up of breast milk supply among post–natal mothers.