Massage and breathing ease labor pain in new moms, study finds

This study looked at whether combining back massage with Lamaze breathing techniques can reduce pain and anxiety during childbirth for first-time mothers. 90 pregnant women in Pakistan were split into two groups: one received the massage and breathing exercises plus standard care, while the other received only standard care. The goal was to see if these simple, drug-free methods improve the labor experience and potentially lower the need for C-sections.