Breastfeeding as a Natural Therapy for Anxiety: A Study of Heart Rate Variability in Breastfeeding Mothers

Yekti Satriyandari; Mufdlilah; Enny Fitriahadi

doi:10.56741/IISTR.jphs.00966

Authors

Yekti Satriyandari
ysatriyandari@gmail.com
Universitas 'Aisyiyah Yogyakarta
Mufdlilah Universitas 'Aisyiyah Yogyakarta
Enny Fitriahadi Universitas 'Aisyiyah Yogyakarta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5812-0721

Keywords:

Anxiety, Breastfeeding Mothers, Heart Rate Variability, Natural Therapy

Abstract

Perinatal mental health issues, particularly postpartum anxiety, are a global concern with significant impacts on maternal well-being and child development. Heart Rate Variability (HRV), reflecting autonomic nervous system balance, is a useful indicator of stress and anxiety. Breastfeeding is known to enhance HRV and reduce anxiety via oxytocin release. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of breastfeeding using an oxytocin carrier in reducing anxiety among breastfeeding mothers, measured through HRV. A quasi-experimental, cross-sectional design was used, involving 120 breastfeeding mothers purposively sampled from communities in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The intervention involved applying an oxytocin carrier for 15–20 minutes, twice daily for three days. HRV and anxiety levels were measured pre- and post-intervention using standard laboratory instruments and validated questionnaires. Results showed a significant effect (p = 0.000 < 0.05), indicating that breastfeeding interventions with an oxytocin carrier effectively reduced maternal anxiety and improved HRV in both mothers and infants. This approach supports maternal mental health, breastfeeding success, and strengthens the physiological bond between mother and infant. It is recommended to integrate breastfeeding education highlighting its benefits for autonomic balance, anxiety reduction, and overall maternal-infant well-being.

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Author Biographies

Yekti Satriyandari, Universitas 'Aisyiyah Yogyakarta

Yekti Satriyandari was born in Sleman on February 29, 1988. She earned her Master’s degree from Surakarta State University (2011–2013) and is currently a permanent lecturer in the Midwifery Study Program at Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Yogyakarta (UNISA). Her research and community service activities focus primarily on reproductive health and family planning. These have resulted in various scholarly outputs, including books, scientific articles, and copyrights. She has also received internal and external research and community service grants. Email: yektisatriyandari@unisayogya.ac.id

Mufdlilah, Universitas 'Aisyiyah Yogyakarta

Mufdlilah is a senior lecturer in obstetrics with extensive academic and professional experience. She obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Medicine with a focus on Maternal and Neonatal Health in 2009 and earned her Doctorate in 2017 from Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, in the Community Development and Counseling Study Program with a focus on Health Promotion. She currently teaches at Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Yogyakarta and actively engages in research and community service in the field of obstetrics. She is also a prolific writer of books and scientific publications and serves as a reviewer and editor for several national journals. Email: mufdlilah@unisayogya.ac.id

Enny Fitriahadi, Universitas 'Aisyiyah Yogyakarta

Enny Fitriahadi was born in Cilacap on April 27, 1983. She completed her Master’s degree at Diponegoro University, Semarang (2010–2013), and is a permanent lecturer in the Diploma III Midwifery Study Program at Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Yogyakarta (UNISA). Her research and community service activities center on neonatal, infant, and toddler health, with outputs including books, scientific articles, copyrights, and simple patents. She has been awarded both internal and external grants for her research and community initiatives. Email: ennyfitriahadi@unisayogya.ac.id.

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