Effects of HypnoBirthing education and oxytocin massage on labor and postpartum period in primiparous pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial

This study examines the combined effects of HypnoBirthing education and oxytocin (back) massage on labor experiences and early postpartum outcomes in primiparous women. In this randomized controlled trial, 50 pregnant women were allocated to an intervention (n = 25) or control (n = 25) group. The intervention included 12 hours of HypnoBirthing training over four weeks and oxytocin back massage during the final three weeks. Outcomes were assessed with validated instruments - Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Form A/B, Birth Satisfaction Scale - Short Form, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale - Short Form, and Mother - Infant Attachment Scale - before intervention and one week postpartum. Compared with controls, the intervention group reported lower fear of childbirth (73.0 ± 5.7 vs 102.0 ± 10.5; p < .001) and higher birth satisfaction (27.1 ± 3.6 vs 13.5 ± 4.6; p < .001), breastfeeding self-efficacy (50.8 ± 7.6 vs 35.4 ± 5.9; p < .001), and mother - infant attachment (16.3 ± 2.5 vs 11.8 ± 2.1; p < .001). Integrating HypnoBirthing training and oxytocin (back) massage into routine prenatal care may reduce fear of childbirth, improve birth satisfaction, enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy, and promote early mother - infant attachment. The program appears feasible, low-cost, and deliverable by midwives within standard antenatal education. These findings reinforce the value of incorporating such non-pharmacological, supportive techniques into prenatal education and care to promote maternal well-being and early bonding.