Actively Recruiting
The Effect of Reiki Applied During the Postpartum Period on Breastfeeding, Pain, and Comfort in Women Who Delivered by Cesarean Section
Led by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi · Updated on 2026-03-03
99
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of Reiki on breastfeeding, pain, and comfort in women who have had a cesarean section during the postpartum period. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare outcomes between women receiving Reiki, Sham Reiki, and standard care to understand if Reiki can influence breastfeeding success, pain relief, and comfort. The study addresses the need for supportive, non-pharmacological care methods as cesarean sections can increase postpartum pain and affect breastfeeding and mother-infant bonding. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Reiki therapy, Sham Reiki, or a control group receiving routine postpartum care. Reiki sessions will be applied six times postpartum—three times in person during the hospital stay and three times remotely via phone in weeks two through four. Each session lasts about 16 to 20 minutes and includes specific hand placements on various body areas, with precautions taken for vital signs. Sham Reiki mimics the Reiki procedure but is performed by a person without Reiki training. The control group receives standard care without Reiki. Throughout the study, women will undergo multiple assessments such as vital signs, pain scales, breastfeeding evaluation scales (LATCH and BSES-SF), perceived milk supply, and comfort questionnaires before and after Reiki sessions and before hospital discharge. Follow-up phone calls will collect data on breastfeeding status, infant weight gain, and maternal comfort during weeks two to four postpartum. The primary outcome is the effect of Reiki on breastfeeding self-efficacy measured face-to-face and by telephone during the first postoperative days and the fourth week postpartum. This study will continue until May 2026 and includes detailed monitoring of both physiological and psychosocial healing processes.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
THE EFFECT OF REIKI ON BREASTFEEDING, PAIN AND COMFORT AFTER CESAREAN SECTION
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Mothers aged 18 and over
- Literate in Turkish
- Non-smoker, non-drug user
- Gave birth by cesarean section at term
- Baby stays with mother after birth
- Not using any breast milk-increasing medication, vitamins, or supplements
- Baby's birth weight between 2500-4000 grams
- Baby's Apgar score at least seven points at 1 and 5 minutes
- Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia
- Agree to participate in the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia
- Active postpartum hemorrhage
- Sepsis or fever of 38�b0C or higher
- Need for intensive care
- Birth before 37 weeks gestation
- Serious neonatal problems
- Baby admitted to neonatal intensive care unit without hospitalization after birth
- Excessive sedation due to analgesia
- Communication difficulties
- Markedly negative attitude towards Reiki
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - From birth up to 4 weeks postpartum
Participants receive Reiki or sham Reiki interventions in six sessions during the postpartum period to support breastfeeding, reduce pain, and increase comfort after cesarean section. The sessions include face-to-face treatments within the first 24 hours postpartum and remote sessions during weeks 2, 3, and 4 postpartum.
6 sessions: 3 face-to-face visits within 24 hours postpartum and 3 remote sessions at weeks 2, 3, and 4 postpartum
Duration - Up to 4 weeks postpartum
Participants are followed up by phone calls for feedback after remote Reiki sessions and to assess breastfeeding status, baby’s weight gain, and comfort up to the 4th week postpartum.
Phone calls after sessions in weeks 2, 3, and 4 postpartum
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Samsun Sehir Hastanesi
Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye)
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
G
Gozde G Cakmak, specialist nurse, phd student
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
3
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