Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

The Effect of 30-Minute Oxytocin Massage on Breast Milk Volume and Infant Weight Gain in Early Postpartum Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors
Kurniati Devi Purnamasari 1
Yudita Ingga Hindiarti 1
Erna Yovi Kurniawati 2
Iqbal Pramukti 3
1 Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Galuh, 46274, Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia
2 Department Midwifery Profession, Alma Ata University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
3 Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia
10.22038/jmrh.2026.84620.2550
Abstract
Background and aim: Many new mothers discontinue breastfeeding prematurely. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is widely recognized as an optimal feeding practice that supports infant health and survival. Thus, even among adults, promoting EBF is crucial for preventing complicated health problems in infants. Unfortunately, in practice, there are still an abundance of issues with breastfeeding. This study aims to evaluate the effect of oxytocin massage on breastmilk production in postpartum mothers and the infant’s weight.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial involving 60 postpartum mothers was conducted, with participants assigned to intervention and control groups using a two-group pretest–posttest design. Breast milk volume and infant weight were measured with validated tools, and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with a significance level of p < .001
Results: The mean age of participants was 28.3 ± 5.1 years. The study found that the increase in milk production and infant weight in the intervention group (mean = 10.03; 151.50, SD = 6.72; 91.30) was greater than in the control group (mean = 8.33; 106.16, SD = 4.11; 106.16), with statistical significance for breast milk (t = –8.171, p < .001) and infant body weight (t = –9.088, p < .001). ANOVA confirmed that, compared to the control group, the intervention group showed an increase of 710.12 ml in breast milk production and 2450.56 grams in infant weight gain (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: A 30-minute oxytocin massage effectively enhances breast milk production and infant weight gain, offering a practical, low-cost method for postpartum lactation support.
Keywords
oxytocin massage
breast milk
postpartum
Subjects
Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 August 2026