Effect of Oxytocin versus Oketani Massage on Breastfeeding Predictors among Primipara Women

Background : Breast massage is a simple, affordable, and effective technique for implementation after childbirth and adoption as the mainstay to improve breastfeeding success. This study aimed to examine the effect of oxytocin versus Oketani massage on breastfeeding predictors among primipara women. Method: A quasi-experimental design (nonequivalent control group pretest/posttest) was utilized. A convenience sample of 108 primipara women was selected and was divided into three groups (36 primipara women in each group control, oxytocin, and Oketani massage). Setting: This study was conducted at Minia University Hospital for Maternity and Child. Minia governorate, Egypt. Four tools were used: the structured interview questionnaire schedule, the LATCH Assessment tool, the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form. Results : There was no significant difference between the control group and the study groups in terms of mean breastfeeding support, success, and self-efficacy at pre-test (p> 0.05). However, at six hours and on discharge after the intervention, there were highly statistically significant differences between the control group and study after intervention in mean breastfeeding support and success Also, on discharge and at 1 week after intervention, high statistical significance (p 0.001) was found in the differences in mean Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy between the control group and the study groups. Conclusion : Breastfeeding support, success, and self-efficacy scores were significantly higher among the study groups than control group (p<0.001). Recommendation: Raise awareness among maternity nurses about Oxytocin and Oketani massages to be implemented into practice.