Effects of lavender tea on fatigue, sleep disturbance and maternal-infant attachment in postnatal mother

Purpose: This study was conducted in New Delhi, India to evaluate the effectiveness of lavender tea in relieving fatigue, enhancing sleep quality and in improving maternal-infant attachment during the postpartum period. Method: A total of 60 Indian postnatal women with no history of allergy to herbal teas, foods, or medicines were assigned systematically to either the experimental group (n=30) or the control group (n=30). The participants in the experimental group were instructed to drink one cup of lavender tea after spending time to appreciate and smell the aroma each day for a period of 2 weeks, whereas their control group received regular postpartum care only. The Lee fatigue scale, Postnatal sleep quality scale and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire were used to assess outcomes. Findings: Data gathered were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean post fatigue score of the postnatal mothers in experimental group (38.93) was lower than the control group (119.5) with a mean difference of 80.57. The obtained ‘t’ value of 21.5 was significant at 0.05 level. The mean post sleep quality level of the postnatal mothers in experimental group (3.93) was lower than the control group (15.86) with a mean difference of 11.93. The obtained ‘t’ value of 26.5 was significant at 0.05 level and the mean post maternal infant attachment of the postnatal mothers in experimental group (28.72) was lower than control group (69.55) with a mean difference of 40.8. The obtained ‘t’ value of 7 was significant at 0.05 level. This indicates that administration of lavender tea to postnatal mothers in experimental group for 14 consecutive days was to be effective in decreasing fatigue level, improving sleep quality and improving maternal infant attachment of postnatal mother whereas in control group regular postpartum care found not effective in improving maternal infant attachment. Conclusion: This study supports the popular claim for the beneficial effects of lavender tea on fatigue, sleep quality, and maternal-infant attachment in postpartum women. The lack of reported side effects further supports lavender tea consumption as an alternative therapy that is safe, simple, cost-effective, and viable for all clients.