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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
Before the intervention (baseline during early labor),
Immediately after birth (for comfort and satisfaction),
Within the first 2 hours postpartum (for breastfeeding success).
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| intervention group | Experimental | Massage and Showe |
|
| Control group | No Intervention | Control group |
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massage | Other | 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. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Satisfaction | Evaluated using the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS), which measures a mother's satisfaction with her labor and delivery experience (The scale is a 30-item Likert-type scale. The lowest possible score is 30, and the highest is 150. A higher score indicates higher birth satisfaction.). The scale includes multiple dimensions such as quality of care, personal attributes, and stress experienced during labor. 25 September, 2025-15 December, 2025 | up to 3 months |
| Maternal Comfort | Maternal Comfort: Assessed through the Birth Comfort Scale, which evaluates physical, emotional, and environmental aspects of comfort experienced by the mother during labor (The scale is a 34-item Likert-type scale. The lowest possible score is 34, and the highest is 170. A higher score indicates higher postpartum comfort). 25 September, 2025-15 December, 2025 | up to 3 months |
| Breastfeeding Success: | Measured within the first hours postpartum using the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, which assesses five components: Latch, Audible swallowing, Type of nipple, Comfort (breast/nipple), and Hold (positioning).A low score indicates unsuccessful breastfeeding, while a high score indicates successful breastfeeding. | Within the first 2 hours postpartum |
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Inclusion Criteria:
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.
Exclusion Criteria:
-
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| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakarya University | Sakarya | Turkey (Türkiye) |
Ethically, patient information can be shared upon reasonable request without revealing their identities for security reasons.
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D008405 | Massage |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D064746 | Therapy, Soft Tissue |
| D026201 | Musculoskeletal Manipulations |
| D000529 | Complementary Therapies |
| D013812 | Therapeutics |
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| Shower | Other | During the same phase, participants were assisted to take a warm shower for approximately 20 minutes. |
|
| D026741 | Physical Therapy Modalities |
| D012046 | Rehabilitation |