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NCT Number: NCT07151144

Effects of Massage and Shower on Birth Experience and Breastfeeding

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

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Key information

Conditions

Pregnancy Delivery Care

Age range

19 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sakarya University

Sakarya, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Before the intervention (baseline during early labor),

Immediately after birth (for comfort and satisfaction),

Within the first 2 hours postpartum (for breastfeeding success).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

-

Treatment and study plan

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.

Shower

Other

During the same phase, participants were assisted to take a warm shower for approximately 20 minutes.

Primary outcomes

  1. Birth Satisfaction

    Time frame: up to 3 months

    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

  2. Maternal Comfort

    Time frame: up to 3 months

    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

  3. Breastfeeding Success:

    Time frame: Within the first 2 hours postpartum

    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.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sakarya University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Sep 3, 2025
Registry last updated
Jan 2, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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