Investigation of the Effect of Massage Application on Functional Status and Depression in Mothers in the Early Postpartum Period

Postpartum depression is a condition with high morbidity in mothers and negatively affects all family relationships. It has been observed that depression in the mother at only 2 months of age negatively affects the relationship between the baby and the mother, and that mothers who are depressed and therefore their babies feel more negatively. Symptoms usually start to appear from the 2nd or 3rd week after birth. At the same time, most people focus on the physical characteristics of the mother after birth, such as her reproductive system, while ignoring her full functionality. Full functionality is a multidimensional concept that includes personal care, baby care, family care, social and professional activities. In the first weeks after discharge, the functional status of the mother may differ as a result of the roles she assumes at home. Since the breastfeeding period will begin in new mothers, different treatment methods are preferred instead of drug treatment, one of which is massage therapy. It is thought that massage therapy relaxes the muscles and changes psychological factors. Previous studies conducted on postpartum women show that massage has a positive and healing effect on mothers. While previous studies frequently mention its effects on depression, it has also been observed that there are few studies mentioning its functional status. In light of this information, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of massage on functional status and depression in postpartum women. For this purpose, there will be 2 groups randomized as intervention and control groups. The intervention will be performed as a 45-minute massage once a week for 4 weeks. Data will be collected before the first intervention and after the last intervention.