Effect of Music on Immediately Postpartum Lactation by Term Mothers after Giving Birth: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Yaowaret Kittithanesuan MD*, Supawadee Chiarakul MD**, Jaranit Kaewkungwal PhD***, Yong Poovorawan MD****
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ang Thong Provincial Hospital, Ang Thong, Thailand ** Department of Medicine, Prasat Neurological Institute, Bangkok, Thailand *** Center of Excellence for Biomedical and Public Health Informatics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand **** Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : The benefits and importance of maternal breastfeeding have been emphasized worldwide. Early mother-infant
contact and newborn suckling within the first hour after birth positively influences lactation and results in more successful
breastfeeding. Maternal anxiety and stress are factors that inhibit lactation and happiness, whereas relaxation with the
newborn and emotional connection can promote lactation.
Objective : To determine the effect of music on the lactation of mothers immediately after giving birth.
Material and Method: A randomized controlled trial was performed. The intervention group consisted of 152 mothers who
listened to music after giving vaginal delivery. The control group consisted of 152 mothers who received routine, immediate
postpartum care in the delivery room.
Results : Upon evaluation of the milk volume from each participant before and after suckling, the intervention group showed
a statistically significant association with increased lactation after suckling (p<0.05). Adjusting for lactation time, maternal
age, and birth history, the odds ratio was 2.36 (95% CI 1.54 to 3.63) for the intervention group, which suggested that music
triggered increased lactation (p<0.001).
Conclusion : Breastfeeding mothers who listened to music immediately postpartum showed significantly increased lactation
after suckling compared to the control group.
Keywords : Music, Breastfeeding, Lactation, Human milk
