Marmet and Oxytocin Massage for Breast Milk Increase

This randomized controlled, single-blind experimental study aims to explore the physiological and psychological outcomes of two non-pharmacological breast stimulation techniques-oxytocin massage and the Marmet technique-on mothers who have undergone cesarean delivery. Specifically, the study investigates their effects on breast milk volume and maternal state anxiety levels during the early postpartum period.

Breastfeeding challenges are more commonly observed following cesarean deliveries due to delayed lactogenesis II, postoperative pain, mother-infant separation, and increased maternal stress. Non-invasive breast stimulation methods, such as the Marmet technique (which includes a structured pattern of massage, compression, and milk expression by hand) and oxytocin massage (which involves light tactile stimulation of the upper back and shoulders to promote oxytocin release), may provide physiological and psychological benefits to these mothers. This study systematically evaluates the efficacy of these techniques within a controlled hospital setting using standardized procedures.

Breast milk expression will be standardized using a hospital-grade electric pump, with a fixed pumping duration of 15 minutes per breast. Milk volume will be measured using calibrated collection containers provided with the pump. Vital signs (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure), self-reported pain levels (via Visual Analog Scale), and observed milk flow rate (rated as slow, moderate, or fast) will be recorded at each session.

Psychological impact will be assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), focusing on the state anxiety subscale. This tool is a validated measure to assess transient anxiety responses under stress or in new environments, such as hospitalization or breastfeeding initiation after surgery.

The oxytocin massage protocol consists of light, rhythmic touch applied to the mother's upper arms, shoulders, and back for 5 minutes, aiming to stimulate endogenous oxytocin release through sensory nerve activation. The Marmet technique, applied for 10 minutes, follows a structured sequence of circular breast massage, downward milk movement, and manual expression techniques. The control group will receive light touch (5 minutes) applied to non-breast-related areas (wrists and shoulders) without known physiological effects on lactation or oxytocin release.

Post-intervention, mothers will perform a second round of milk expression under the same standardized conditions. Milk will not be discarded but will be fed to the infant using a spoon or syringe under researcher supervision, in accordance with neonatal nutrition safety standards.

This study is designed not only to measure lactation outcomes but also to consider maternal comfort and emotional state during the early postpartum phase, recognizing the interconnected nature of physiological milk production and maternal mental well-being. This study utilizes evidence-based lactation assessment methods and validated psychological scales. Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS 20.0. Within-group and between-group comparisons will be conducted using paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA where appropriate. The study is approved by the relevant ethics committee and will adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged between 18-35 years
• Literate
• Fluent in Turkish
• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Primiparous (first-time mothers)
• Within the first 2 hours postpartum (mothers performing their first breastfeeding under researcher supervision)
• Have a single baby with an appropriate birth weight for gestational age (>2500 gr)
• Have their baby with them
• Received spinal anesthesia
• Neither the mother nor the baby has any acute or chronic illness
• Exclusively breastfeeding their baby
• Had a term (37 weeks gestation or more) and cesarean delivery
• Experienced no complications after the cesarean section
• No issues preventing breastfeeding
• Willing to breastfeed

Exclusion criteria

• Are under 18 or over 35 years old
• Are multiparous (have given birth before)
• Are encountered more than 2 hours postpartum
• Received general anesthesia
• Have any acute or chronic illness themselves or their baby
• Have conditions requiring mother and baby to be separated
• Report experiencing severe pain
• Formula-feed their baby or consume any milk-increasing medication or tea
• Gave birth before 37 weeks gestation or had a vaginal delivery
• Have an anatomical breast issue (absence of nipple, inverted nipple)
• Have swelling, ecchymosis, or wounds on their back (for the oxytocin massage group)
• Have a baby with a congenital anomaly
• Have an issue preventing breastfeeding
• Have a psychological issue
• Are unwilling to breastfeed