In January 2019 researchers from the UK and China published the results of their study to compare the effects of different relaxation techniques on first time Chinese mothers who were breastfeeding their healthy term infant. A total of 20 first time breastfeeding mothers were involved in the study. Each mother attended six relaxation sessions: relaxation meditation tape, music, relaxation lighting, combined relaxation meditation and lighting, combined music and lighting, and a control session with no intervention. There was a 1-3 day period between each session. Heart rate, blood pressure levels, fingertip temperature, and perceived relaxation were assessed before and after each session. Results showed that compared with no intervention, heart rate, blood pressure levels, fingertip temperature, and perceived relaxation were significantly better following the relaxation meditation tape, combined relaxation meditation and lighting, combined music and lighting sessions. Following the music session there were improvements in all parameters except for the systolic blood pressure level. Due to the small number of breastfeeding mothers involved in this study, further research is required to confirm results.
Yu J et al. Randomized Trial Comparing the Physiological and Psychological Effects of Different Relaxation Interventions in Chinese Women Breastfeeding Their Healthy Term Infant. Breastfeed Med. 2019 Jan/Feb;14(1):33-38.