The Impact of Oxytocin Massage and Banana Flower Consumption (Musa balbisiana colla) on the Prolactin Level in Breastfeeding Mothers

Abstract

Since a long time ago, banana flowers have been believed they increase the production of breast milk. Thus, many people consume them as vegetables for breastfeeding mothers. This research aims to examine the impact of oxytocin massage and banana flower consumption on prolactin levels in breastfeeding mothers. The method used a true experiment control group design in which samples were divided into 3 groups; group 1 was treated with oxytocin massage, group 2 was treated with banana flower consumption, and group 3 was given intervention with oxytocin massage and banana flower consumption. The massage was conducted every day with durations of 5-10 minutes. The banana flower vegetable was served as much as 150 grams daily. The first blood sampling was done pre-intervention on the third day of postpartum. The second blood sampling was done after intervention on the tenth day of postpartum. The checkup of prolactin level was through a method of Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA). To analyze the data, this research utilized a T-test exam. The result is the average difference in prolactin levels in pre-and-post intervention in group 1 was -61,75 ng/mL. Although decreasing prolactin levels occurred, yet there was no significant interval between pretest and posttest. The difference in prolactin levels in pre-and-post intervention in group 2 was 103,61 ng/mL. The prolactin level increased but not significantly. In group 3, the difference levels were about 110,22 ng/mL. In this group, a significant prolactin level increase had occurred. The conclusion is the combination treatment of banana flower and oxytocin massage evolved the level of prolactin level in nursing mothers. Research related to strengthening the recommendation of traditional galactagogues consumption to breastfeeding mothers.