Nurse-Led Oketani Breast Massage for Enhancing Breastfeeding Success Among Primiparous Women

Abstract

Background: Enhancing breastfeeding is a global health priority because of its significant benefits for both infants and mothers. Even though its benefits are well-established, many mothers face challenges in breastfeeding.
Aim: To evaluate the effect of nurse-led Oketani breast massage for enhancing breastfeeding success among primiparous women.
Method: A quasi-experimental design was used. A purposive sample of 100 Primipara women was drawn from the Obstetrics and gynecology inpatient wards (9, 10, 18& 15) at Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura city, Egypt. Data collection relied on a structured interview questionnaire capturing demographic, current obstetric, and breastfeeding data, plus the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, the LATCH tool, and the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale short form.
Results: At discharge, a highly statistically significant difference separated intervention and control groups for both successful breastfeeding behavior (p=0.004) and breastfeeding support (p=0.008). Likewise, at discharge and one week later, breastfeeding self-efficacy diverged sharply between the two groups (p ˂0.001).
Conclusion: Nurse-led Oketani breast massage supports primipara breastfeeding mothers, shapes successful breastfeeding behaviors, and reinforces self-efficacy.