The Effect of Oketani Breast Massage on Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the most important factor in infant nutrition. Breast milk is a nutritional source that contains the necessary nutrients for the healthy growth of infants after birth and has many benefits in terms of growth and development. However, although the rate of breastfeeding has increased today compared to the past, it is still not at the desired level. In order to increase breastfeeding rates, breastfeeding trainings and massage should be given starting from the prenatal period. It is important for health professionals to provide training and consultancy to women in order to manage the breastfeeding process correctly, which is important for the health of both the mother and the baby. In this direction, as a result of this study, it is thought that correct breastfeeding behavior and self-sufficiency will be developed in mothers by using the oketani breast massage method. No study has been found in our country where this method is used. In this respect, the study is original. As a result of the study, it is thought that the use of oketani breast massage by health professionals while providing breastfeeding education and consultancy will facilitate the breastfeeding process.

Inclusion criteria

• To volunteer to participate in the study,
• To be over 18 years of age,
• To be able to read and write,
• To be able to read and understand Turkish,
• To have no hearing, speech or visual impairments,
• To have received breastfeeding training at a pregnancy school,
• To be healthy in the 36th week of primiparous pregnancy.

Exclusion criteria

• Obstacles to communication include having a visual, hearing or perception disorder,
• Not being able to read or write,
• Having a psychiatric illness,
• Being multiparous and having a vaginal birth,
• Having a risky pregnancy.