Marmet and oxytocin massages to boost breast milk after cesarean
The Effectiveness of the Marmet Technique and Oxytocin Massage on Breast Milk Quantity in Mothers Who Have Undergone Cesarean Section
This study will test whether the Marmet hand‑expression technique or a gentle oxytocin massage increases breast milk and reduces anxiety in first‑time mothers after cesarean delivery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 123 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Ege University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Izmir) |
| Trial ID | NCT07077655 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, single‑blind, controlled experiment compares Marmet technique, oxytocin massage, and a placebo control in primiparous women after cesarean delivery. Interventions are applied in the early postpartum period and breast milk is collected with a hospital‑grade electric pump for 15 minutes per breast using calibrated containers. Measured outcomes include expressed milk volume, maternal state anxiety scores, vital signs, pain (VAS), and observed milk flow rate. Participants are randomized to one of three groups and data collectors are blinded to group assignment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Primiparous, 18–35-year-old Turkish‑speaking mothers who had an uncomplicated term cesarean under spinal anesthesia, are within two hours postpartum, exclusively breastfeeding, and have their healthy singleton newborn with them.
Not a fit: Mothers who had general anesthesia, are multiparous, outside the 18–35 age range, have acute or chronic illness, or whose infants require separation are unlikely to qualify or benefit from these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these simple non‑drug techniques could help cesarean mothers increase early breast milk supply and reduce anxiety, supporting breastfeeding success.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies and clinical reports suggest oxytocin massage and manual expression can improve milk let‑down and maternal relaxation, but randomized data specifically after cesarean delivery are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18-35 years * Literate * Fluent in Turkish * Volunteering to participate in the study * Primiparous (first-time mothers) * Within the first 2 hours postpartum (mothers performing their first breastfeeding under researcher supervision) * Have a single baby with an appropriate birth weight for gestational age (\>2500 gr) * Have their baby with them * Received spinal anesthesia * Neither the mother nor the baby has any acute or chronic illness * Exclusively breastfeeding their baby * Had a term (37 weeks gestation or more) and cesarean delivery * Experienced no complications after the cesarean section * No issues preventing breastfeeding * Willing to breastfeed Exclusion Criteria: * Are under 18 or over 35 years old * Are multiparous (have given birth before) * Are encountered more than 2 hours postpartum * Received general anesthesia * Have any acute or chronic illness themselves or their baby * Have conditions requiring mother and baby to be separated * Report experiencing severe pain * Formula-feed their baby or consume any milk-increasing medication or tea * Gave birth before 37 weeks gestation or had a vaginal delivery * Have an anatomical breast issue (absence of nipple, inverted nipple) * Have swelling, ecchymosis, or wounds on their back (for the oxytocin massage group) * Have a baby with a congenital anomaly * Have an issue preventing breastfeeding * Have a psychological issue * Are unwilling to breastfeed
Where this trial is running
Izmir
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine Hospital — Izmir, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aysima YALÇINTEPE — Ege University
- Study coordinator: Aysima YALÇINTEPE
- Email: aysima.ylcntepe@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 507 168 99 84
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.