<![CDATA[Breast milk is the optimal nutrition for newborns. However, mothers undergoing cesarean section often experience delayed lactation due to anesthesia effects, surgical pain, stress, and postponed mother–infant contact. Non-pharmacological interventions such as rooming-in and oxytocin massage have been shown to improve lactation, but studies combining these two methods remain limited. Objective this study is to analyze the effect of combining rooming-in and oxytocin massage on breast milk production during the first 24 hours post-cesarean section. This study applied a quasi-experimental design with a pre-post test control group approach. The sample consisted of 24 post-cesarean mothers at Pelita Insani Hospital, Martapura, divided into intervention (rooming-in + oxytocin massage) and control (standard care) groups. Outcomes measured were colostrum volume, onset of lactation, and frequency of let-down reflex. Data analysis was performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney, and ANCOVA to control confounding variables, with a significance level of p<0.05.The combination of rooming-in and oxytocin massage significantly increased milk volume (38.7±6.4 ml vs 23.4±5.1 ml; p<0.001), accelerated lactation onset (8.4±2.1 hours vs 14.7±3.4 hours; p<0.001), and improved let-down reflex frequency (6.8±1.5 times vs 3.9±1.2 times; p<0.001) compared to the control group.Rooming-in combined with oxytocin massage is an effective and safe evidence-based intervention to enhance early milk production in post-cesarean mothers within the first 24 hours, supporting exclusive breastfeeding success.]]>
