The Effect of Newborn Massage Training on Maternal Attachment and Postpartum Depression: Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of newborn massage training for primiparous pregnant women. To investigate the effects of newborn massage training on maternal attachment and the prevention of postpartum depression. The trial was conducted at a hospital in eastern Türkiye with 54 pregnant women, assigned to either the massage or control group (n = 27 each). Data were collected using the "Personal Information Form," "Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI)," and "Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)" at baseline. The massage group received two 45-min online sessions at 34 and 38 weeks, plus three 15-min postpartum reminders. Data were collected at weeks 6 and 10 postpartum using the "Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI)" and "Edinburgh Postpartum Depression (EPDS)." No differences were found between the groups at baseline (p > 0.05). However, significant differences at weeks 6 and 10 in MAI and EPDS scores favored the massage group (p < 0.001 for MAI at week 6; p = 0.001 for MAI at week 10; p < 0.001 for EPDS at both weeks). Newborn massage enhances maternal attachment and helps prevent postpartum depression.