This study was planned as a randomized controlled experimental study to investigate the effects of aromatherapy massage on lactation in non-breastfeeding mothers with premature newborns in neonatal intensive care unit.

The population of the research, was consisted of all mothers who gave birth preterm in a city hospital in Istanbul between October 2022- April 2023. The sample of the study included a total of 36 mothers (18 in aromatherapy group, 18 in the massage group) who were randomly selected among the mothers who were over 18 years of age, had preterm (<37 weeks) cesarean section, had a single pregnancy, were on the first postpartum day, were asked to express their milk because of the baby's condition, and volunteered to participate in the study.

The data of the study were collected with Participant Characteristics Form, Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DAS-21), Lactation Onset Symptoms Evaluation Form, Milking Follow-Up Form and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) satisfaction evaluation form.

The Participant Characteristics Form and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale were administered to all mothers within the first 6-8 hours post-operatively, and manual milking training was given. For three days, twice a day (15 minutes each), aromatherapy massage was applied with a mixture of lavender, fennel and frankincense essential oils in almond oil as a carrier oil, while mothers in the massage group were only massaged with almond oil, which is only the carrier oil. Lactation symptoms were evaluated after the massage in both groups and the expressed milk amount was recorded after milking both breasts for at least 15 minutes. In addition, all mothers expressed their milk 8 times a day and recorded the total amount of milk in 24 hours. After the last application, their satisfaction with the application was evaluated with VAS. Descriptive statistical methods, chi-square, Mann Whitney and Friedman tests were used to evaluate the data.

Inclusion Criteria:

• the mothers who were over 18 years of age, had preterm (<37 weeks) cesarean section, had a single pregnancy, were on the first postpartum day, were asked to express their milk because of the baby's condition, and volunteered to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• those with breast problems,
• who have allergic reaction to aromatherapy oils,
• using supplements for milk production,
• those who do not like aromatherapy oils or massage
• mothers who do not want to continue tthe study,
• developing postpartum health problems
• and mothers who cannot adapt to manual milking