Effleurage Massage and Warm Compress Interventions to Reduce Postpartum Abdominal Pain: An Explanatory Case Series Study

Abstract

Background: Uterine contractions resulting from involution are triggered by oxytocin release, often causing abdominal cramping (afterpains) that disrupts a mother's physical and psychological adaptation. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as effleurage massage and warm compresses, are increasingly recognized as safe, comfortable, and low-risk interventions in maternity nursing care.
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of combined effleurage massage and warm compress interventions on the adaptation process and reduction of afterpains among postpartum mothers.
Methods: This study utilized an explanatory case series design with a pretest–posttest approach, combining visual pain scale observations and qualitative interviews. The sample consisted of four multiparous postpartum mothers. Interventions were administered in two sequence patterns for a total duration of 30 minutes per participant: two participants received a warm compress followed by an effleurage massage, while the other two received an effleurage massage followed by a warm compress. Data were analyzed by evaluating pain score changes alongside qualitative interview responses.
Results: Initial baseline observations revealed moderate abdominal pain scores across all four participants (pretest). Following the 30-minute combined intervention, all participants experienced a 2-point reduction in pain scale scores, regardless of the intervention sequence order. Qualitative findings supported these results, with participants reporting improved comfort and physical relaxation.
Conclusion: The combination of effleurage massage and warm compresses is effective in reducing postpartum abdominal pain and promoting maternal physical adaptation, regardless of the sequence of administration.