Effect of the Marmet Technique on Breastfeeding Problems and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Postpartum Women (MARMET-BSE)

Medipol University

Status

Completed

Conditions

Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy

Breastfeeding Problems Assessment

Treatments

Behavioral: Marmet Breast Massage Technique

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT07529067

E-10840098-202.3.02-1630

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of breast massage using the Marmet technique on breastfeeding problems and breastfeeding self-efficacy in postpartum women. Breastfeeding difficulties such as nipple pain, latch problems, and perceived insufficient milk are common in the early postpartum period and may lead to early cessation of breastfeeding. The Marmet technique is a manual breast massage method designed to stimulate milk flow and relieve mechanical difficulties during breastfeeding.

In this study, postpartum women were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving Marmet technique training and application or a control group receiving routine breastfeeding care. Outcomes were assessed at 24 hours and on the 15th postpartum day using validated scales. The findings are expected to contribute to improving breastfeeding support practices and maternal confidence in breastfeeding.

Full description

Breastfeeding is essential for optimal infant growth and maternal health; however, many women experience physical and psychological challenges during the early postpartum period. Common breastfeeding problems include nipple pain, breast engorgement, latch difficulties, and concerns about insufficient milk supply. These challenges may negatively affect breastfeeding continuation and maternal confidence.

Breastfeeding self-efficacy, defined as a mother's confidence in her ability to breastfeed successfully, is a key determinant of breastfeeding duration and success. Interventions that address both physical and psychosocial aspects of breastfeeding are therefore critically important.

The Marmet technique is a manual breast massage and expression method that supports milk ejection reflex, improves milk flow, and helps relieve blocked ducts without requiring equipment. It may also enhance maternal autonomy and confidence in breastfeeding management.

This study was designed as a randomized controlled, longitudinal trial conducted in a hospital setting. A total of 104 postpartum women were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received individualized training and application of the Marmet technique in the early postpartum period, while the control group received routine breastfeeding care.

Data were collected at postpartum 24 hours and day 15 using a Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and a Breastfeeding Problems Assessment Scale. The primary aim was to evaluate the effect of the Marmet technique on breastfeeding problems and self-efficacy levels over time. The study also explored factors influencing breastfeeding self-efficacy in the postpartum period.

Enrollment

104 patients

Sex

Female

Ages

18 to 49 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Women aged 18 to 49 years
Able to read and write in Turkish
Voluntary agreement to participate in the study
Delivered a healthy full-term infant
Had a spontaneous vaginal birth
Actively breastfeeding during the postpartum period

Exclusion criteria

Presence of a clinically serious breastfeeding problem in the mother or infant during the early postpartum period
Transfer of the mother or infant to another center before completion of the first data collection stage
Inability to complete follow-up assessment on postpartum day 15 or refusal to participate in the follow-up interview
For participants assigned to the intervention group, inability to complete the Marmet technique training at postpartum 6 hours or failure to respond to the follow-up call on postpartum day 7
Meaningful missing or incomplete data in study forms or scales
Withdrawal from the study at any point during the 15-day follow-up period
Development of any unexpected maternal or neonatal health condition requiring discontinuation of breastfeeding, such as intensive care need, serious maternal infection, or infant pathology preventing sucking