Non-Pharmacological Therapies to Enhance Breast Milk Production: A Scoping Review

Dian Nintyasari Mustika, Sugiyani Sugiyani, Ika Sumiyarsi Sukamto

Abstract


Background: Suboptimal breast milk production remains a main challenge to successful breastfeeding and contributes to early weaning. Various non-pharmacological therapies have been used to support breast milk production, but available scientific evidence is diverse and heterogeneous. This scoping review aims to map and synthesis scientific evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapies in increasing breast milk production.

Methods: This scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR protocols, a literature search was conducted in PubMed, SagePub Journals, and ProQuest databases for articles published between 2021 and 2026. Studies involving breastfeeding mothers, using non-pharmacological interventions and reporting breast milk production outcomes were systematically selected. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated for risk of bias using standardised tools, and data extraction was performed using a charting form including title and year of publication, country of origin, sample size, type and duration of intervention, measurement method, and study results.

Results: A total of five articles were reviewed by identifying interventions studied and dividing them into three themes, namely physical stimulation therapy, psychological stimulation therapy, and combined interventions. Most studies reported an increase in breast milk production after intervention through the mechanism of increased oxytocin and prolactin hormones, as well as increased comfort and relaxation for mothers.

Conclusion: Non-pharmacological therapies based on physical, psychological, and combined interventions may support breast milk production through neuroendocrine and psychosocial mechanisms. These findings may inform clinical practice and further research in lactation and complementary therapies.

Keywords


Breast Milk; Massage; Non-Pharmacology; Oxytocin; Prolactin

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/placentum.v14i2.115989

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