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CompletedNCT07529067MARMET-BSEUpdated Apr 14, 2026

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

An interventional study of Marmet Breast Massage Technique in Breastfeeding Problems Assessment and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, sponsored by Medipol University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to female participants aged 18 Years to 49 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-04-14.

Sponsored by Medipol University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Supportive care

From the registry’s dates

  • Registered 2 years after the study started (first participant enrolled Apr 2024, registered Apr 2026).
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
104
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 49 Years
Sex
Female
01

Study 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.

Read the detailed 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.

02

Conditions studied

  • Breastfeeding Problems Assessment
  • Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy

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Keywords

  • Marmet Technique
  • Breastfeeding
  • Breastfeeding Problems
  • Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy
  • Postpartum Women
  • Midwifery
03

In context

Breast Feeding

262 studies on the registry are indexed under Breast Feeding; 112 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 104 is close to the median of 95 across 210 interventional studies indexed under Breast Feeding.

Browse Breast Feeding studies →

Lead sponsor

Medipol University is the lead sponsor of 311 studies on the registry; 86 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 49 Years
Sexes eligible
Female
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes

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

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
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
104 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    1. Arm

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

    Behavioral: Marmet Breast Massage Technique

  • No intervention
    2. Arm

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

Interventions

  • BehavioralMarmet Breast Massage Technique

    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.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy

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

    Time frame: 24 hours postpartum and 15 days postpartum

Secondary outcomes

  1. Breastfeeding Problems

    Assessed using the Breastfeeding Problems Assessment Scale, including mechanical, process-related, milk insufficiency, breast-related, and social concerns.

    Time frame: 24 hours postpartum and 15 days postpartum

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
    Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
08

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Apr 14, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07529067
Lead sponsor
Medipol University
Responsible party
Ayşenur Turan (PhD, Adiyaman University) — Principal investigator
First posted
Apr 14, 2026
Start date
Apr 1, 2024
Primary completion
Oct 1, 2024
Completion
Oct 1, 2024
Last update
Apr 14, 2026

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is completed, as verified in Apr 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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