Effect of the Marmet Technique on Breastfeeding Problems and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Postpartum Women

NCT07529067 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: E-10840098-202.3.02-1630
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 104
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Breastfeeding Problems Assessment; Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy

Keywords

Marmet Technique; Breastfeeding; Breastfeeding Problems; Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy; Postpartum Women; Midwifery

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy

  Assessed using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (short form).

  24 hours postpartum and 15 days postpartum

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Breastfeeding Problems

  24 hours postpartum and 15 days postpartum

Study Arms (2)

1. Arm

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive Marmet breast massage technique training and application in addition to routine breastfeeding care.

Behavioral: Marmet Breast Massage Technique

2. Arm

NO INTERVENTION

Participants receive routine breastfeeding care and standard education without Marmet technique.

Interventions

Marmet Breast Massage Technique BEHAVIORAL

The Marmet Technique is a manual breast massage and milk expression method taught to postpartum women to support effective breastfeeding. The technique includes specific hand positioning (C-hold), rhythmic compression, rolling movements, and breast stimulation to facilitate the milk ejection reflex and improve milk flow. In this study, participants in the intervention group received individualized training on the Marmet Technique at approximately 6 hours postpartum. The application was demonstrated and practiced under supervision, and participants were instructed to perform the technique regularly for approximately 20-30 minutes on both breasts. Follow-up support was provided via telephone on postpartum day 7 to reinforce correct technique and adherence. The intervention aims to reduce mechanical breastfeeding difficulties, improve milk flow, and enhance maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy.

1. Arm

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 49 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Medipol University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Medipol University Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Breast Feeding

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Feeding Behavior; Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the Marmet breast massage technique or a control group receiving routine breastfeeding care. Both groups were followed in parallel, and outcomes were assessed at 24 hours and on postpartum day 15.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 7, 2026
• First Posted: April 14, 2026
• Study Start: April 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: October 1, 2024
• Study Completion: October 1, 2024
• Last Updated: April 14, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)