Abstract

Introduction
Non-pharmacological methods such as oxytocin massage and music listening are increasingly used to address breastfeeding challenges by enhancing milk production and reducing maternal stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oxytocin massage and music listening on breastfeeding success (primary outcome: LATCH score at day 7), as well as breastfeeding self-efficacy, neonatal weight gain, and breastfeeding problems (secondary outcomes).

Methods
A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the obstetrics units of two hospitals. A total of 138 postpartum mothers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: oxytocin massage (n = 47), music listening (n = 47), or control (n = 44). A per-protocol analysis was completed with 120 mothers (n = 40 per group) at day 7. Data collection included a pilot study and two implementation phases. Instruments used were the Personal Information Form, the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, repeated-measures ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.

Results
The mean age of participating mothers was 24.95 ± 2.99 years, with no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). Both oxytocin massage and music listening significantly improved LATCH scores (mean increase: 2.68 and 2.28, respectively; p < 0.001) and breastfeeding self-efficacy scores (mean increase: 11.73 and 9.13, respectively; p < 0.001) compared to the control group, which showed minimal improvement. Neonates in the oxytocin massage and music listening groups demonstrated significantly greater weight gain (mean gain: 181.38 g and 97.75 g, respectively; p < 0.001), whereas control neonates showed a mean weight loss of 33.88 g (p = 0.17). The occurrence of breastfeeding problems also decreased significantly in both intervention groups (p < 0.05). While oxytocin massage showed slightly greater improvements than music listening, the difference between the two interventions was not statistically significant.

Conclusion
Oxytocin massage and music listening are equally effective, low-cost, non-invasive complementary interventions that enhance breastfeeding outcomes and neonatal weight gain. Both methods may be recommended as supportive strategies in postpartum care.