Effects of massage techniques on breastfeeding and maternal well-being after cesarean delivery

The Effect of Oxytocin Massage and Reflexology Applied to Primiparous Mothers After Cesarean Section on Insufficient Milk Perception, Breastfeeding Motivation, Fatigue, Anxiety and Uterus Involution

Not applicable Interventional Ordu University · NCT06687447

This study tests whether oxytocin massage and reflexology can help new mothers feel better and breastfeed more successfully after having a cesarean delivery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorOrdu University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Giresun)
Trial IDNCT06687447 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of two non-pharmacological interventions, oxytocin massage and reflexology, on mothers who have undergone cesarean sections. It aims to address issues such as insufficient milk perception, breastfeeding motivation, fatigue, and anxiety in the postpartum period. By comparing these interventions to a control group, the study seeks to determine their effectiveness in enhancing maternal health and promoting breastfeeding. The research is particularly relevant given the high cesarean section rates in Turkey and the associated challenges faced by new mothers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are primiparous mothers aged 18 and over who have given birth via cesarean section and are breastfeeding a healthy, full-term newborn.

Not a fit: Patients who had cesarean deliveries before 37 weeks of pregnancy or those with chronic diseases or infections may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve breastfeeding outcomes and maternal mental health for women recovering from cesarean sections.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with non-pharmacological interventions like massage and reflexology in improving maternal health, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Mothers who gave birth at the age of 18 and over
* The one who is married
* At least primary school graduate,
* Primiparous mothers who gave birth by cesarean section,
* Having a single, healthy newborn at full term,
* Those who did not experience any problems during pregnancy and the early postpartum period,
* The tissue integrity in the area to be applied is complete and healthy,
* Breastfeeding her baby after birth,
* The baby is healthy, has no problems with the sucking reflex and does not have any congenital anomalies,
* Women who agree to participate in the research will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those who gave birth by cesarean section before the 37th week of pregnancy,
* Women who gave birth by cesarean section with combined anesthesia,
* Discharged before 36 hours after birth,
* Having chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension,
* Those with infectious diseases, infections, open wounds, masses, fractures, dislocations, deformities, varicose veins, burns, eczema, hematomas, thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis on the foot skin,
* Experiencing any postpartum complications,
* Their baby is not with their mother for any reason,
* Those who have received a psychiatric diagnosis such as anxiety and depression,
* Women who want to leave the research at any stage of the research

Where this trial is running

Giresun

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Caesarean Sectionreflexologyoxytocin massagefatigueanxietymilk production
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.