Investigation of the Effect of Massage Therapy on Sleep Duration and Mother-Baby Bonding in 0-6 Month Term Infants

As the role of mothers increases in the postpartum period, depression, stress, sleep problems and general needs also increase. Recent studies have emphasized the need to treat more than just the mother's depression in cases of postpartum depression. The increase in the bond with the baby during this process is possible with the mother's compliance with the process. A healthy sleep between the mother and the baby improves the bond between them. One of the most important aids that facilitates the meeting of this need is baby massage. Baby massage is a tradition that begins immediately after birth in many cultures. Massage has a great positive effect on mother-baby interaction, increases the baby's sleep quality, reduces crying, lowers bilirubin levels and encourages mother-baby interaction. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of baby massage therapy applied by a physiotherapist on the baby's sleep duration and mother-baby attachment and the relationship between sleep duration and mother-baby attachment. The hypothesis of the study is that massage applied to babies will increase the baby's sleep quality and strengthen the bond between mother and baby.