Massage and shower during labor boost comfort and breastfeeding success, study finds

This study looked at whether simple, drug-free methods like massage or a warm shower during labor can improve a mother's experience. 120 first-time mothers with low-risk pregnancies were split into three groups: one received lower back massage, one took a warm shower, and one had standard care. The results showed that both massage and shower helped increase birth satisfaction, comfort, and early breastfeeding success compared to routine care alone.