The aim of this study was to examine the effect of octani massage on breastfeeding success and breast engorgement in mothers who gave birth by cesarean section. The research was carried out in the gynecology service of Ağrı Training and Research Hospital between November 2022 and April 2023. The universe of the study consisted of mothers who were hospitalized in the gynecology service of Ağrı Training and Research Hospital between November 2022 and April 2023 and gave birth by cesarean section. The Open Epi calculation tool was used to determine the sample of the study. The sample calculation was made on the average score differences in the Open Epi info program. Accordingly, it was planned to include 106 mothers, 53 of whom were in the control group and 53 in the massage group. Considering the sample loss to be experienced during data collection, a total of 116 mothers, 58 in the control group and 58 in the massage group, were included in the study. Randomization of the groups participating in the study was made as simple randomization using the www.random.org site. Introductory Characteristics Questionnaire, oketany massage follow-up form, breast engorgement assessment scale and LATCH breastfeeding diagnostic measurement tool were used to collect the research data.

The research was carried out in two groups, namely the octopus massage group and the control group.

Oketani Massage Group: According to the Ministry of Health, the follow-up period for mothers after cesarean section in Turkey is 48 hours. After the mothers in the massage group were taken to the service, oketani massage was applied three times a day for an average of 15-20 minutes, starting before breastfeeding. Massage was applied to the Oketani massage group by a midwife working in the clinic. Before the mothers were discharged, the breast engorgement and breastfeeding status of the mothers were evaluated using the breast fullness assessment scale and the LATCH breastfeeding diagnostic scale. Control Group: No intervention was made in the control group and routine follow-up of mothers and babies will be performed after cesarean section. No intervention was made regarding the breastfeeding process of the mothers, other than the breastfeeding counseling given by the breastfeeding consultant according to the hospital protocol. Before the mothers were discharged, the breast engorgement a and breastfeeding status of the mothers were evaluated using the breast fullness assessment scale and the LATCH breastfeeding diagnostic scale.

Inclusion criteria for the study:

• Delivery by cesarean section
• Single and live birth,
• 38-40 Giving birth between weeks
• Not having a mental or physical disability that prevents breastfeeding,
• The baby does not need neonatal intensive care
• The baby does not have a condition that prevents breastfeeding
• Sharing the same room with the baby
• Agreeing to participate in the research

Exclusion criteria from the study:

• Refusal to participate in the study
• Giving birth normally
• Giving birth prematurely
• Having a mental and physical disability that prevents breastfeeding
• Being 18 years of age or younger
• Transferring the baby to the neonatal intensive care unit
• Having a condition that prevents breastfeeding

Mothers giving birth and breastfeeding were included in the study.

Massage was applied to the Oketani massage group by a midwife working in the clinicThe outcome assessor does not know who the groups are.