PROVISION OF COUNTERPRESSURE AND LAVENDER AROMATHERAPY IN REDUCING PERCEIVED LABOR PAIN

Improperly managed labor pain can disrupt uterine activity, leading to prolonged labor. Non-pharmacological methods, such as counterpressure and aromatherapy, are effective in reducing pain and anxiety during the first stage of labor. Aromatherapy, particularly with lavender, provides a calming effect on the body and mind, helping to alleviate stress and pain perception. This study aims to assess the combination of counterpressure and lavender aromatherapy in reducing labor pain during the active phase of stage I labor. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group approach was used. The study included 140 laboring women in the active phase of stage I labor from Bantul, Yogyakarta, and PMB Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and pain levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The intervention group received both counterpressure and lavender aromatherapy, while the control group was given lavender aromatherapy and deep breathing techniques. Data were analyzed using a dependent t-test, revealing a significant effect of the combined intervention in reducing labor pain (p-value < 0.005). Counterpressure and lavender aromatherapy are recommended as effective non-pharmacological strategies for managing labor pain during the active phase of stage I labor