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Background: Labor is a physiological process that is commonly accompanied by pain, causing discomfort, anxiety, and fear that may interfere with maternal well-being and labor progress. Effleurage massage is a complementary, non-pharmacological intervention used to reduce labor pain. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of effleurage massage in reducing pain intensity during the first stage of labor. Method: A literature review was conducted using articles retrieved from Google Scholar. An initial search identified 45 articles, and after screening based on publication year (2021–2026), relevance, and inclusion criteria, 10 research articles were included for analysis. Data were extracted and synthesized descriptively. Results: The findings consistently showed that effleurage massage reduced labor pain by promoting relaxation, decreasing muscle tension, improving blood circulation, and stimulating endorphin release through the gate control mechanism. Most studies also reported improved maternal comfort during labor. Conclusion: In conclusion, effleurage massage is an effective, safe, affordable, and easy-to-apply complementary therapy that can be integrated into midwifery care to reduce labor pain and enhance maternal comfort.  

Diarrhea remains a leading cause of mortality among toddlers in Indonesia, with a prevalence reaching 4,9%. In addition to pharmacological management through LINTAS DIARE, non-pharmacological therapies such as baby massage are increasingly being implemented as supportive interventions that families can perform to accelerate recovery. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of baby massage as a complementary therapy in reducing the frequency and intensity of diarrhea in toddlers. The method used involved identifying relevant articles from Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar databases using appropriate keywords. Based on the 6 articles obtained, baby massage significantly (p = 0,000) reduces the frequency and intensity of diarrhea through vagus nerve stimulation, which optimizes intestinal peristalsis and nutrient absorption. Beyond improving defecation patterns, this therapy is proven to significantly increase infant weight, accelerate motor development through central nervous system stimulation, and enhance sleep quality and comfort.

Post section caesarea (SC) and method of operative female sterilization (MOW) are surgical procedures that may cause various problems, such as pain, limited mobility, decreased muscle strength, and risk of postoperative complications. Physiotherapy management through exercise therapy is an important intervention to accelerate the recovery process. Objective this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of exercise therapy in improving the functional condition of patients post SC and MOW in Annisa Ward 32 A at PKU Muhammadiyah Karanganyar Hospital. Method: used was a case report on a 33-year-old female patient following SC and MOW procedures. The physiotherapy interventions included deep breathing exercises, active range of motion exercises of the extremities, light abdominal muscle contractions, gradual early mobilization, as well as breast massage and oxytocin stimulation. The results showed a reduction in pain from a scale of 4–5 to 2–3 based on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), improvement in mobility such as independent position changes, and increased activity tolerance, including sitting and walking with minimal assistance. In addition, the patient showed increased confidence in performing daily functional activities. Conclusion: exercise therapy has a positive effect on improving mobility, reducing pain, and accelerating functional recovery in post SC and MOW patients. Therefore, exercise therapy is recommended as an essential component of postoperative physiotherapy management to improve patients' quality of life.

Injectable contraception remains one of the most widely used family planning methods among couples of reproductive age. However, the success of this method is strongly influenced by the level of knowledge and attitudes of acceptors, which in practice are often still inadequate. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of injectable contraceptive educational videos in improving the knowledge and attitudes of injectable contraceptive acceptors at TPMB Siti Juhariyah. The study employed a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design. A total of 30 injectable contraceptive acceptors were selected as samples using purposive sampling techniques. The intervention consisted of providing an educational video on injectable contraception, followed by the assessment of participants’ knowledge and attitudes before and after the intervention using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using statistical tests to determine differences between pretest and posttest scores. The results showed a significant increase in acceptors’ knowledge, which shifted from moderate and low categories to a good category after the educational video intervention. In addition, the acceptors’ attitudes toward the use of injectable contraception also demonstrated a significant positive change. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that injectable contraceptive educational videos are effective in improving the knowledge and attitudes of acceptors. Therefore, educational videos can be utilized as a supportive counseling medium in family planning services to enhance the quality of contraceptive care in independent midwifery practices.

The most frequent complaint among pregnant women, particularly during the second and third trimesters, is sleep difficulties. Emotional disorders, physical exhaustion, and a higher chance of pregnancy difficulties can all result from poor sleep. Back massage combined with lavender aromatherapy is one non-pharmacological treatment that has been shown to be safe for enhancing the quality of sleep. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of lavender back massage on pregnant women's sleep quality. Thirty third-trimester pregnant women in the West Halmahera Community Health Center (Puskesmas) operating area participated in the study, which employed a pre-experimental design and a one-group pretest-posttest methodology. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the quality of sleep. According to the findings, the majority of respondents (76.7%) experienced poor sleep quality before to the back massage, with an average PSQI score of 11.2. The PSQI score dropped to 6.1 following three days of lavender back massages, indicating a substantial improvement in sleep quality. The Wilcoxon statistical test revealed a substantial increase in sleep quality following the intervention, with p = 0.000. According to the study's findings, back massage with lavender can be suggested as a safe supplemental therapy in prenatal care services as it effectively improves pregnant women's sleep quality.

The cosmetic industry continues to grow rapidly along with the increasing demand for natural-based body care products, one of which is massage oil. Essential oils such as lavender, citronella, and chamomile are known to have synergistic effects as relaxation agents, anxiety reducers, and anti-inflammatory agents. To support the safety and effectiveness of their use, the selection of appropriate carrier oils, such as olive oil, almond oil, and virgin coconut oil (VCO), is required due to their good penetration ability and moisturizing properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of variations in carrier oils on the physical and sensory characteristics of aromatherapy massage oil preparations and to identify the most optimal formulation. The research was conducted experimentally by formulating three massage oil formulations using a combination of lavender, citronella, and chamomile essential oils with different carrier oil compositions. The evaluations included organoleptic tests, pH, viscosity, specific gravity, stability, irritation tests, and hedonic tests. The results showed that all formulations were liquid, homogeneous, stable for 28 days, had pH values within the normal skin pH range, met the required viscosity and specific gravity standards, and did not cause skin irritation. Based on the hedonic test, formulation F2 was the most preferred by respondents and was determined to be the best formulation due to its most favorable aroma, texture, and comfort during use. Therefore, variations in carrier oils influence the characteristics of massage oil preparations and enable the determination of the optimal formulation

Background: Suboptimal breast milk production during the postpartum period remains a major barrier to successful exclusive breastfeeding. Various non-pharmacological interventions have been developed to address this issue, including oxytocin massage, which is believed to stimulate the release of the oxytocin hormone and facilitate milk ejection. However, findings regarding its effectiveness remain varied, highlighting the need for a comprehensive synthesis of scientific evidence. Objective: This study aims to review and synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of oxytocin massage in increasing breast milk production among postpartum mothers. Methods: A literature review with a narrative review approach was conducted using articles from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Garuda databases published between 2021 and 2025. Keywords included oxytocin massage, breast milk production, and postpartum mothers. Inclusion criteria were original research articles involving postpartum mothers receiving oxytocin massage interventions with full-text access. Article selection followed the PRISMA flow, resulting in 12 eligible studies analyzed narratively. Results: Most studies reported that oxytocin massage improves breast milk production and milk flow, indicated by increased milk volume, improved let-down reflex, higher breastfeeding frequency, and adequate infant intake. The effect is associated with parasympathetic stimulation that promotes oxytocin release and maternal relaxation. Conclusion: Oxytocin massage is a safe and practical complementary intervention to support breast milk production, although further studies with stronger experimental designs are needed.

Early childhood is a critical period for growth and development, characterized by rapid changes in neurological, motor, sensory, and emotional systems. Stimulation during this stage plays a vital role, and non-pharmacological interventions such as massage and aromatherapy may enhance developmental outcomes. This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest control group design to evaluate the effectiveness of infant massage combined with aromatherapy. Twenty infants aged 3–12 months who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited and assigned to either a control group (infant massage only) or an intervention group (infant massage with aromatherapy). Growth parameters (weight, length, head circumference) and developmental outcomes were measured using the Developmental Pre-Screening Questionnaire, covering gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal-social domains. Infants in the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in body weight, body length, head circumference, and developmental scores compared to the control group. These findings indicate that the addition of aromatherapy to infant massage provides measurable benefits for both physical growth and developmental progress. Combined infant massage and aromatherapy represent effective non-pharmacological strategies for early stimulation, supporting optimal growth and developmental trajectories in infants.

Background: Constipation is a common functional gastrointestinal problem in infants aged 6–12 months, causing discomfort, hard stools, and reduced quality of life. Non-pharmacologic interventions, such as abdominal massage, have shown promise in improving bowel function, but evidence regarding the effectiveness of the I Love You massage technique in community settings remains limited. Objective: This study aimed  examine the effectiveness of I Love You massage in reducing constipation among infants aged 6–12 months attending South Bulango Health Center. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group was employed. Thirty infants with functional constipation were purposively selected and divided into an intervention group (n=15) receiving daily I Love You massage for 10 minutes over seven days, and control group (n=15) receiving standard care, including dietary guidance and hydration. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 with paired t-tests for within-group comparisons and independent t-tests for between-group differences. Results: The intervention group exhibited a significant increase in bowel movement frequency (2.1 ± 0.7 to 5.6 ± 0.9 per week) and improvement in stool consistency (1.2 ± 0.4 to 2.8 ± 0.5), along with a notable reduction in abdominal discomfort (6.5 ± 1.2 to 2.1 ± 0.8). In contrast, the control group showed minimal improvements. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: I Love You massage is an effective, safe, and low-cost intervention reduce constipation in infants aged 6–12 months. Its implementation in primary healthcare settings may enhance gastrointestinal function, relieve discomfort, and promote caregiver-infant interaction.

This study examines postpartum nursing care for mothers undergoing Sectio Caesarea (SC) with the primary nursing diagnosis of ineffective breastfeeding. The purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of oxytocin massage intervention in improving breastfeeding outcomes in post-SC mothers. The study was conducted in Mawar Ward, RSUD dr. H. Soewondo Kendal, involving four patients experiencing delayed lactation, difficulty in baby latching, and psychological challenges such as anxiety and lack of confidence. The intervention was based on the Indonesian Nursing Intervention Standards (SIKI), focusing on observation, therapeutic actions, education, and collaboration with healthcare teams and family members. Oxytocin massage was performed 2–3 times daily, complemented by warm compresses, breastfeeding position training, and emotional support. The results indicated significant improvements: increased breast milk production, better baby latching, reduced maternal anxiety, and higher self-confidence in breastfeeding. This evidence-based approach highlights that comprehensive postpartum nursing care—integrating physical, psychological, and family support—plays a crucial role in ensuring breastfeeding success and overall maternal recovery after SC.

This study examines postpartum nursing care for mothers undergoing Sectio Caesarea (SC) with the primary nursing diagnosis of ineffective breastfeeding. The purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of oxytocin massage intervention in improving breastfeeding outcomes in post-SC mothers. The study was conducted in Mawar Ward, RSUD dr. H. Soewondo Kendal, involving four patients experiencing delayed lactation, difficulty in baby latching, and psychological challenges such as anxiety and lack of confidence. The intervention was based on the Indonesian Nursing Intervention Standards (SIKI), focusing on observation, therapeutic actions, education, and collaboration with healthcare teams and family members. Oxytocin massage was performed 2–3 times daily, complemented by warm compresses, breastfeeding position training, and emotional support. The results indicated significant improvements: increased breast milk production, better baby latching, reduced maternal anxiety, and higher self-confidence in breastfeeding. This evidence-based approach highlights that comprehensive postpartum nursing care—integrating physical, psychological, and family support—plays a crucial role in ensuring breastfeeding success and overall maternal recovery after SC.

Background: Constipation is a common health problem among infants aged 6–12 months, which can lead to discomfort, feeding difficulties, and reduced quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as the I Love You (ILU) massage, have been suggested to improve bowel regularity and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort in infants. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of ILU massage on reducing constipation in infants aged 6–12 months at the South Bulango Health Center. Methods: A pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach was applied. Data on bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, and abdominal discomfort were collected before and after the intervention using structured observation sheets and caregiver questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using paired t-tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results showed a significant increase in bowel movement frequency from 2.1 ± 0.8 times per week before the intervention to 4.5 ± 1.0 times per week after the intervention (p = 0.000). Stool consistency improved from a mean Bristol score of 2.0 ± 0.6 to 4.0 ± 0.7 (p = 0.000), and abdominal discomfort decreased from 3.5 ± 1.0 to 1.2 ± 0.8 (p = 0.000). These findings indicate that ILU massage effectively alleviates constipation symptoms in infants. Conclusion: ILU massage is an effective, safe, and non-invasive method to reduce constipation in infants aged 6–12 months. Involving caregivers in the intervention enhances its effectiveness and supports parent–child bonding, making it suitable for integration into routine infant care at community health centers.

Bell's Palsy is a sudden onset of peripheral facial nerve paralysis that is generally unilateral. This condition is characterized by facial muscle weakness, asymmetry, difficulty closing the eyes, and facial expression disorders. Associated risk factors include exposure to cold temperatures and the habit of chewing ice cubes, which can trigger vasospasm of the blood vessels and inflammation of the facial nerve.  Physiotherapy management is important to accelerate recovery, prevent complications such as synkinesis and contractures, and improve the patient's quality of life. This study aims to describe the implementation of physiotherapy in cases of Bell's Palsy at PKU Muhammadiyah Selogiri Hospital and evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy intervention on the recovery of facial function in patients. A case report was conducted on a 41-year-old female patient diagnosed with right-sided Bell's Palsy. The examination included anamnesis, static and dynamic inspection, palpation, basic movement examination, sensory examination, and assessment using the House-Brackmann Facial Grading System (HBGS). Physiotherapy interventions were given three times a week, including Infra Red (IR), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), light massage, facial exercises (raising eyebrows, closing eyes, blowing, smiling), and education on preventing exposure to cold. Evaluation was performed using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) and Ugo Fisch. The implementation of physiotherapy with a combination of IR, TENS, massage, and facial exercises is effective in gradually improving the facial function of patients with Bell's Palsy. Physiotherapy also plays a role in educating patients about the prevention of recurrence related to environmental risk factors and lifestyle.

An autoimmune condition that targets the joints is rheumatoid arthritis. The joints and surrounding tissues are inflamed due to this disease. Symptoms of this arthritis include joint stiffness, edema, and persistent discomfort. Women are more likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis than men, especially those between the ages of 40 and 75. Chronic pain is a sensory or affective experience that lasts >3 months, has mild to severe intensity, and can begin suddenly or gradually. This is related to real or functional tissue damage. To minimize the chronic pain experienced by rheumatoid arthritis patients, this case study aims to assess the effectiveness of cutaneous stimulation, also known as skin stimulation (foot massage). The nursing care method provided to patients with rheumatoid arthritis who complained of discomfort during five morning sessions using skin stimulation therapy (Foot Massage) is described in this case study using descriptive methodology. The application questionnaire was used to measure pain levels before and after the procedure, and the Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Scale (Raps) was used to evaluate the results. After five sessions, the patient's pain level decreased, according to the case study findings. Conclusion: Discomfort is reduced by applying cutaneous stimulation (foot massage). Since foot massage helps alleviate pain, it can be used as an intervention for RA patients experiencing chronic pain.

Breast milk is a natural food for newborns that can influence their growth and development. Breast milk is given without any additives to babies from zero to six months of age. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding from zero to six months of age, but implementation remains uneven in some regions. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, national exclusive breastfeeding coverage in 2022 was 67.96%, below the RPJMN target of 70%. In the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Province, the figure reached 76.8% in 2022, with Yogyakarta City having the lowest achievement compared to other regencies. This results in suboptimal breast milk production. To increase breast milk production in mothers, oxytocin massage techniques can be used.. This method was chosen because it is non-pharmacological, easy to do and proven to be able to stimulate the hormone oxytocin. easy to do and proven to be able to stimulate the hormone oxytocin. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of oxytocin massage in influencing breast milk production in postpartum mothers at Nur Hidayah Hospital. Quantitative research method with quasi-experimental design, Respondents were 30 people obtained through accidental sampling. Data collection used a directed observation sheet and measuring cup (cc). The results of the Independent Sample T Test analysis showed a significance value of 0.001 (p <0.05) meaning that there is effectiveness of oxytocin massage on breast milk production in postpartum mothers on days 1-3. The conclusion of the study is that there is effectiveness of oxytocin massage on breast milk production in postpartum mothers on days 1-3.

The Caesarean Section (C-Section) procedure is one of the most common surgical methods for childbirth, performed through an incision in the abdominal wall (laparotomy) and the uterine wall (hysterotomy). Despite its effectiveness in ensuring maternal and fetal safety, one of the major postoperative complaints reported by patients is pain. Pain itself is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, which is subjective and can only be described by the person experiencing it. Unmanaged pain may negatively affect postoperative recovery, emotional well-being, mobility, and breastfeeding initiation. Therefore, appropriate nursing care interventions are essential to help patients achieve comfort and recovery. This scientific paper explores the implementation of sacral plexus therapy as part of nursing interventions to address pain problems in post-C-section patients. The study employed a case study approach that applied the nursing care process, which includes comprehensive assessment, formulation of nursing diagnoses, planning, implementation of interventions, and evaluation. Nursing care was carried out over a period of 72 hours (3x24 hours), with pain intensity and patient comfort levels monitored throughout the process. The evaluation results showed that all nursing diagnoses related to pain were successfully resolved within the given timeframe. Specifically, the application of sacral plexus therapy proved effective in reducing the intensity of postoperative pain and improving overall comfort, enabling patients to gradually regain mobility and adapt to their postpartum condition. In conclusion, sacral plexus therapy can serve as a complementary and non-pharmacological intervention within nursing care to effectively manage pain in post-C-section patients. These findings highlight the importance of innovative and holistic approaches in nursing practice to improve patient recovery and quality of care after surgical childbirth.

Picky eating is a prevalent issue among preschool children, often leading to nutritional deficiencies, disrupted growth, and increased parental stress. This systematic literature review aims to explore the management of picky eating through complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) and compares these findings with contemporary interventions. Picky eating behaviors can significantly affect children’s eating patterns, leading to challenges in maintaining a balanced diet. Although traditional medical interventions focus on behavioral modification and nutritional counseling, many parents are seeking alternative approaches to manage these behaviors in a more holistic and natural manner. This review encompasses studies published between 2015 and 2025, sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as "Alternative Therapy," "Picky Eating," and "Preschool Children." The review population consists of 20 articles, and the sample includes 5 selected studies that meet the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies in managing picky eating behaviors. Data analysis utilized thematic analysis, with the findings analyzed thematically to draw conclusions regarding the efficacy of CAT. The results indicated that mindfulness practices, dietary practices, Tuina massage as a traditional therapy, taste exposure, sensory learning, and nutrition education were all effective in reducing picky eating behavior among children aged 1 to 5 years. These approaches not only helped to improve children’s acceptance of a wider variety of foods but also contributed to the reduction of stress for both children and parents. The findings suggest that integrating these alternative therapies into conventional practices can provide a comprehensive and effective strategy to address picky eating in preschool children. Future research is needed to further explore the long-term impacts of these therapies and to identify the most suitable combinations for different individual needs.

Picky eating is a prevalent issue among preschool children, often leading to nutritional deficiencies, disrupted growth, and increased parental stress. This systematic literature review aims to explore the management of picky eating through complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) and compares these findings with contemporary interventions. Picky eating behaviors can significantly affect children’s eating patterns, leading to challenges in maintaining a balanced diet. Although traditional medical interventions focus on behavioral modification and nutritional counseling, many parents are seeking alternative approaches to manage these behaviors in a more holistic and natural manner. This review encompasses studies published between 2015 and 2025, sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as "Alternative Therapy," "Picky Eating," and "Preschool Children." The review population consists of 20 articles, and the sample includes 5 selected studies that meet the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies in managing picky eating behaviors. Data analysis utilized thematic analysis, with the findings analyzed thematically to draw conclusions regarding the efficacy of CAT. The results indicated that mindfulness practices, dietary practices, Tuina massage as a traditional therapy, taste exposure, sensory learning, and nutrition education were all effective in reducing picky eating behavior among children aged 1 to 5 years. These approaches not only helped to improve children’s acceptance of a wider variety of foods but also contributed to the reduction of stress for both children and parents. The findings suggest that integrating these alternative therapies into conventional practices can provide a comprehensive and effective strategy to address picky eating in preschool children. Future research is needed to further explore the long-term impacts of these therapies and to identify the most suitable combinations for different individual needs.

Bacground : The 0–12 month period is a critical phase in infant development, covering motor, cognitive, and emotional domains. Early stimulation has been proven to prevent developmental delays that may affect later life stages. Complementary therapies such as infant massage and baby gym are widely applied as non-pharmacological, safe, low-cost interventions that can be practiced at home by parents. Objective: To systematically review the scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of complementary therapies in stimulating the development of infants aged 0–12 months. Methods: This literature study involved a review of articles published between 2018–2024 from PubMed and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria included experimental and quasi-experimental studies evaluating the effect of complementary therapies (infant massage, baby gym, or others) on infant development. Results: Six relevant studies were identified, including four on baby gym and two on infant massage. All studies reported significant improvements in gross motor development following intervention. Infant massage also showed additional benefits such as increased weight gain and enhanced mother-infant bonding. Conclusion: Complementary therapies such as infant massage and baby gym are effective and practical strategies for stimulating infant development. However, further research with more robust experimental designs is needed to strengthen the evidence base.  

Inadequate breast milk production remains a significant challenge in achieving exclusive breastfeeding success during the postpartum period. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of oxytocin massage intervention on breast milk quantity among postpartum mothers at Hospital X. A quasi-experimental design with one-group pretest-posttest approach was employed, involving 17 postpartum mothers who met the inclusion criteria. Data collection utilized demographic questionnaires and measuring instruments to assess milk volume before and after the intervention. Oxytocin massage was performed using back massage technique for 30-60 minutes duration. Statistical analysis employed Wilcoxon signed-rank test due to non-normal data distribution. Results demonstrated significant improvement in milk volume from mean 12.95 ml (pretest) to 50.59 ml (posttest) with p-value 0.000 (p<0.05), indicating statistical significance. The intervention showed substantial effectiveness with approximately 291% increase from baseline condition. These findings suggest that oxytocin massage represents an effective non-pharmacological modality for optimizing lactogenesis through neurohormonal stimulation mechanisms, supporting milk ejection reflex enhancement in postpartum mothers.