NCT07151144

Effects of Massage and Shower on Birth Experience and Breastfeeding

The Impact of Massage and Shower, as Non-Pharmacological Interventions During Labor, on Birth Satisfaction, Maternal Comfort, and Breastfeeding Success

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (actual)
• Sponsor: Sakarya University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 19 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Study Design This study is a quasi-experimental research designed to examine the effects of massage and warm shower-used as non-pharmacological methods during labor-on birth satisfaction, maternal comfort, and breastfeeding success. tudy Population The study was conducted in the delivery unit of a public hospital in Turkey in 2025. The sample consisted of women who were experiencing their first pregnancy and giving birth for the first time. Inclusion criteria were as follows: Between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation, Low-risk, singleton pregnancies, Planned for vaginal delivery, No significant obstetric complications during pregnancy, Voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. A total of 120 participants were randomly assigned into three groups: Massage Group (n=430): Received massage during labor. Shower Group (n=40): Took a warm shower during labor. Control Group (n=40): Received routine standard hospital care without any additional intervention. Data Collection Tools Data were collected using the following instruments: Personal Information Form Birth Satisfaction Scale Birth Comfort Scale Breastfeeding Success Scale Intervention Massage Group: During the active phase of labor (cervical dilation of 4-7 cm), participants received 15-minute sessions of light-pressure massage to the lower back, sacrum, and lumbar area at regular intervals. Shower Group: During the same phase, participants were assisted to take a warm shower for approximately 20 minutes. Control Group: Received routine intrapartum care with no additional non-pharmacological intervention

Detailed description

Before the intervention (baseline during early labor), Immediately after birth (for comfort and satisfaction), Within the first 2 hours postpartum (for breastfeeding success).

Conditions

• Pregnancy
• Delivery Care

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Massage	During the active phase of labor (cervical dilation of 4-7 cm), participants received 15-minute sessions of light-pressure massage to the lower back, sacrum, and lumbar area at regular intervals.
OTHER	Shower	During the same phase, participants were assisted to take a warm shower for approximately 20 minutes.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-25
• Primary completion: 2025-11-15
• Completion: 2025-12-15
• First posted: 2025-09-03
• Last updated: 2026-01-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)