Foot massage may reduce stitching pain after birth

This study tested whether reflexology (a type of foot massage) can reduce pain felt during episiotomy repair—the stitching of a cut made during vaginal birth. 80 women who gave birth vaginally were split into two groups: one received reflexology, the other standard care. Researchers measured pain using a simple 0-to-10 scale and a detailed pain questionnaire. The goal was to see if this gentle, drug-free approach could make the repair more comfortable.