The Influence of Oxytocin Massage and Nutmeg Aromatherapy on Relactation Success in the Public Health Center of Aceh Besar Regency Working Area, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oxytocin massage and nutmeg aromatherapy on the success of relaxation among postpartum mothers in the Public Health Center of Aceh Besar Regency working area. The research employed a Quasi-Experimental design with a post-test Only Control Group Design. The study population consisted of non-exclusive breastfeeding mothers with infants under 12 months old. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, resulting in a sample size of 34 respondents divided into two groups: the group interested in relaxation (Group A) and the group not interested in peace (Group B). The intervention involved providing oxytocin massage and nutmeg aromatherapy for three weeks. Data collected included pretest and post-test scores using the LATCH assessment instrument. Data analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon test and the Mann-Whitney test. The analysis results indicated significant differences between the pretest and post-test scores in both groups, both interested and not interested in relaxation (p < 0.05). This suggests that using oxytocin massage and nutmeg aromatherapy positively influences relaxation success. In the Mann-Whitney test, there was also a significant difference in the LATCH scores between the group interested and not interested in relaxation (p < 0.05). The group interested exhibited higher LATCH scores compared to the group not interested.In conclusion, oxytocin massage and nutmeg aromatherapy significantly improve relaxation success among postpartum mothers. These interventions can serve as effective alternatives in assisting mothers interested in continuing exclusive breastfeeding. However, further research with more robust designs and larger sample sizes is needed to reinforce these findings.