Effects of oxytocin massage and moringa cookie consumption on colostrum excretion time in postpartum women

Delayed colostrum secretion can hinder the success of exclusive breastfeeding, often due to insufficient stimulation of prolactin and oxytocin. This study aimed to examine the effect of oxytocin massage and Moringa oleifera cookie consumption on accelerating colostrum excretion. A quasi-experimental post-test-only design with a control group was employed. The study involved 40 primigravida women in their third trimester, selected through purposive sampling and divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received oxytocin massage and consumed moringa cookies from the 38th week of gestation until postpartum colostrum release, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected through observation, and analysis was conducted using the independent t-test. Results showed a significant reduction in colostrum excretion time in the intervention group (mean=5.95 hours) compared to the control group (mean=9.00 hours) with a mean difference of 3.05 hours. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.001; α=0.05). These findings suggest that oxytocin massage combined with moringa cookie consumption may effectively stimulate earlier colostrum release. Implementing such interventions during late pregnancy could support early breastfeeding initiation and improve neonatal health outcomes.