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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.  

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.

Hypertension is a chronic health problem whose prevalence continues to increase and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In addition to pharmacological therapy, non-pharmacological interventions are needed to help control blood pressure safely and sustainably. One complementary therapy that has the potential to lower blood pressure is Slow Stroke Back Massage (SSBM), which works through relaxation mechanisms and modulation of the autonomic nervous system. This study aims to determine the effect of SSBM therapy on reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients in the Camar Room of RSKD Dadi, South Sulawesi Province. The study used a quantitative quasi-experimental design with a two-group pretest–posttest design. A sample of 32 respondents was selected using a purposive sampling technique, divided into an intervention group and a control group. Data collection was carried out by measuring systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after the intervention using a standard sphygmomanometer. The results showed a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the group receiving SSBM therapy compared to the control group. Thus, SSBM therapy has a significant effect on reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients and can be recommended as a complementary therapy in nursing care.

This study aimed to form late and evaluate a natural massage oil preparation using a combination of lavender, citronella, and chamomile essential oils with olive oil as the carrier oil. The background of this research was based on the increasing public demand for natural body care products that are safe, non-irritating to the skin, and provide relaxation effects. The three essential oils used possess therapeutic activities, including relaxation, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the ability to relieve stress and muscle tension. The study employed three formulation variations (F1, F2, and F3) with different compositions of essential oils. The evaluation of the preparations included organoleptic tests, pH measurement, viscosity, specific gravity, physical stability testing, hedonic testing, and irritation testing. The organoleptic test results showed that all formulations had a liquid form, a deep light-yellow color, and a characteristic aroma corresponding to the dominant essential oil in each formulation. The pH values of all formulations were stable at 5, indicating safety for skin application. Viscosity values were within the ideal range for massage oil, between 4.124–4.735 cPs, and specific gravity values were within the standard range. Stability testing over 28 days revealed no significant changes in color, aroma, pH, or viscosity. The irritation test indicated that none of the formulations caused skin irritation in panelists. Hedonic testing showed that formulation 2 was the most preferred in terms of aroma, while formulation 3 was preferred for texture. Overall, all three formulations were considered stable, safe, and well accepted by consumers, indicating their potential use as natural massage oil products.

Background: Discomfort in third trimester pregnant women often arises due to physiological changes, with back pain being the most common complaint, occurring in 70% to 90% of cases. If left untreated, this pain can interfere with daily activities, cause insomnia, and even affect the childbirth process. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of back massage on reducing the intensity of back pain in third trimester pregnant women at Adow Community Health Center. Methods: The research design used a pre experimental approach with a one group pretest posttest design. The sample consisted of 40 third trimester pregnant women experiencing back pain at Adow Community Health Center. Data were analyzed using the paired t test statistical method. Results: Before receiving back massage, the majority of respondents (57.5%) experienced moderate scale pain. After the intervention, the majority of respondents (70%) reported a reduction in pain to a mild scale. The statistical test results showed a p value of 0.000 (p < 0.05) with an average pain reduction of 1.125. Conclusion: Back massage has a significant effect on reducing the intensity of back pain in third trimester pregnant women at Adow Community Health Center.

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.

Background: Comprehensive midwifery care is essential for early detection of complications and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. In Sleman Regency, despite high access to health services, continuous monitoring remains crucial for ensuring maternal and fetal safety. Objective: To provide comprehensive midwifery care for Mrs. M at Klinik Pratama Shaqi, Sleman, from the third trimester of pregnancy through the postpartum and neonatal periods. Methods: This is a descriptive qualitative study using a case study approach based on Varney's seven-step midwifery management and SOAP documentation. Findings: During pregnancy (37 weeks 6 days), the mother experienced physiological complaints of back pain and shortness of breath, managed through posture education and pregnancy exercises. Labor proceeded normally and spontaneously on October 6, 2024, utilizing "gentle birth" practices such as endorphin massage to reduce pain. A second-degree perineal tear occurred and was treated according to procedure. The baby was born healthy, weighing 3100 grams, with successful Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (EIB). During the postpartum and neonatal periods, uterine involution was normal, breast milk production was adequate, and the infant's growth met standards with no danger signs. Implications: Continuous assistance improves the mother's physical and psychological readiness and ensures a healthy neonatal transition.

Background: Normal labor is influenced by Power, His, maternal strength, external pelvic passage, pelvic shape, pelvic width, and perineal elasticity, which affect labor.Objective: To determine the effect of perineal massage and peanut ball on labor progress.Method: This study used a quasi-experimental design with two groups and a posttest only. The sample consisted of 30 mothers in labor, divided into two groups: 15 respondents received perineal massage and 15 respondents received perineal massage and used a peanut ball. Data were analyzed using an Independent T-Test. Results: The study showed that the average duration of the first stage of active labor in the perineal massage group was 6.87 hours, while in the combination group of perineal massage and peanut ball it was 5.20 hours. Statistical testing showed a value of p = 0.012 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Perineal massage and peanut balls are effective in accelerating labor as non-pharmacological midwifery interventions in labor management.