Influence of Music Therapy on Milk Ejection in Women with Postpartum Depression– a Systematic Review

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is associated with increased maternal stress, anxiety, hormonal disturbances, and impaired mother–infant bonding, which may negatively affect breastfeeding and milk ejection. Music therapy has been suggested as a non-invasive intervention that may reduce maternal stress and anxiety and facilitate oxytocin-mediated milk ejection. Aim: To determine the influence of music therapy on milk ejection and lactation outcomes in women with postpartum depression. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and experimental studies, were considered. Studies investigating music therapy or music-based relaxation interventions and their effects on lactation, milk ejection, oxytocin release, breastfeeding outcomes, or maternal psychological responses were included. Studies without original data, non-English articles, studies evaluating interventions other than music therapy, and articles without measurable lactation-related outcomes were excluded. Data regarding intervention type, frequency, duration, and outcomes were extracted and synthesized narratively. Results: The reviewed studies demonstrated that music-based interventions, including passive music listening, lullabies, flute music, and audio-assisted relaxation, were associated with reductions in maternal stress and anxiety and improvements in breast milk production or milk ejection. Interventions commonly ranged from 11 to 30 minutes and were administered once to three times daily. Some studies reported increased milk output and reduced cortisol levels following music intervention, suggesting that relaxation and stress reduction may facilitate oxytocin release and the milk ejection reflex. However, variations in music type, intervention duration, frequency, and participant characteristics limited direct comparison between studies. Conclusion: Music therapy appears to be a promising complementary intervention for improving lactation and supporting maternal psychological well-being during the postpartum period. Its potential benefits may be mediated by stress reduction, relaxation, and enhanced oxytocin activity, thereby facilitating milk ejection. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically involving women with postpartum depression are required to establish the effectiveness, optimal type, frequency, and duration of music therapy for improving lactation outcomes.