This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of oxytocin massage on breastfeeding self-efficacy and the milk ejection reflex among mothers experiencing insufficient milk supply in the early postpartum period. Insufficient milk supply is a common issue often linked to maternal stress, which can inhibit oxytocin release and negatively impact the milk ejection reflex and the mother's confidence in breastfeeding. By applying oxytocin massage to the thoracic paravertebral region, this study seeks to stimulate oxytocin release non-pharmacologically. The primary objective is to determine whether this intervention improves physiological milk flow and enhances maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy compared to routine postpartum care.
Being 18 years of age or older
Being in the early postpartum period (within the first 24-48 hours after birth)
Having had a single, live birth via vaginal delivery or cesarean section
Having a term (≥37 weeks) and healthy baby
Having given birth preterm (<37 weeks)
Having given birth as a result of a multiple pregnancy
Having been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
The baby having a congenital anomaly that prevents breastfeeding (e.g., cleft lip and palate)
Parallel
Oxytocin Massage
Other interventionOxytocin massage was applied to the mothers assigned to the experimental group as a non-pharmacological intervention. According to the standardized intervention protocol, a single session of oxytocin massage, lasting for 20 to 30 minutes in total, was performed on the thoracic and scapular regions of the back. The massage was administered by the researcher using rhythmic and circular movements focusing on the paravertebral area to stimulate afferent nerve pathways and promote endogenous oxytocin release. This aimed to facilitate the milk ejection reflex and support breastfeeding self-efficacy in the early postpartum period.
Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form
Breastfeeding self-efficacy was assessed using the 14-item Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). It is a 5-point Likert-type scale (1 = "not at all confident" to 5 = "always confident"). The total score ranges from 14 to 70. Higher scores indicate a higher level of breastfeeding self-efficacy.
Perception of Insufficient Milk Supply Questionnaire
Maternal perception of milk supply was evaluated using this 6-item questionnaire. The first question is a yes/no item ("Do you believe you produce enough milk to satisfy your baby?"). The remaining 5 items are scored from 0 to 10 (0 = completely insufficient, 10 = completely sufficient). The total score for these 5 items ranges from 0 to 50. Higher scores indicate a higher perception of sufficient milk supply.
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