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Effectiveness of Pocket Books to Increase Mothers’ Knowledge and Ability About Baby Massage

2025-06-21T02:10:10Z

Title: Effectiveness of Pocket Books to Increase Mothers’ Knowledge and Ability About Baby Massage Authors: Primasari, Nina; Yulita, Erika; Sari, Gita Nirmala; Pipitcahyan, Tatarini Ika; Nisa, Fajriatun Abstract: Background: Massage in children has been recognized as an effective method to stimulate growth due to its impact on neurochemical processes. One of the primary mechanisms involved is the stimulation of beta-endorphin, a neurochemical that plays a crucial role in increasing the amount and activation of the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in tissues. This enzyme is essential for cell growth and differentiation, contributing to optimal development in infants. Additionally, massage promotes the release of other growth hormones, further supporting physical and neurological development. Baby massage is performed through gentle rubs on the skin's surface, which not only enhances growth but also provides comfort, improves circulation, and strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of providing pocketbooks as an educational tool to enhance maternal knowledge and ability in performing baby massage. By improving maternal skills and awareness regarding baby massage techniques, this intervention sought to maximize the potential benefits of baby massage in infant development. Methods: This study utilized a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design, specifically employing a non-equivalent control group research method. The research was conducted at Rini Hartini’s Midwife Practice Place and involved a total of 34 respondents selected through purposive sampling. The respondents were divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received educational pocketbooks and was assessed on their knowledge and ability to perform baby massage before and after the intervention. Data collection was carried out using structured questionnaires and a skills checklist to measure both knowledge and practical ability. Results: The findings revealed a significant improvement in maternal knowledge and ability in the intervention group compared to the control group. Pre-test and post-test assessments demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the scores, with a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05). This indicates that the intervention, in the form of providing pocketbooks, had a positive effect on increasing maternal competence in baby massage. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the provision of pocketbooks as an educational tool effectively enhances maternal knowledge and practical skills in performing baby massage. The study findings highlight the importance of accessible educational resources in improving maternal childcare practices. The outcomes of this research are expected to contribute to further studies and interventions aimed at optimizing infant growth and development through informed parental involvement. The research findings have been published in accredited national journals, ensuring the dissemination of valuable knowledge to a broader audience in the medical and child health sectors.

The Effect of Anastatica hierochuntica (Fatimah Grass) on Oxytocin Levels and Uterine Contractions: an Experimental Study

2025-06-21T02:08:09Z

Title: The Effect of Anastatica hierochuntica (Fatimah Grass) on Oxytocin Levels and Uterine Contractions: an Experimental Study Authors: Siswina, Tessa; Akbarini, Oon Fatonah; Fajrin, Dessy Hidayati Abstract: Background: One of the global targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030 is to reduce maternal mortality rate (MMR) to below 70/100.000 live births and infant mortality rate (IMR) to 2/1000 live births. One of the factors that complicates childbirth is inadequate contractions, which is influenced by oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by neurohypophysis that causes uterine contractions during delivery. One of the traditional herbs that can be used to increase contractions is Fatimah grass (Anastatica hierochuntica). A. hierochuntica was used in Arabs, Indonesia, and Malaysia (63,9%) to shorten labor time, breastfeeding, and reduce postpartum hemorrhage by traditional. Purpose: This purpose was to identify the potency of A. hierochuntica as an oxytocin stimulator by invitro and invivo study. Methods: The method used a true experiment with a double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) and posttest design with a control group design of four groups (G1-G4). The research subject was 28 pregnant mice. Results: The results of this research were A. hierochuntica has flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, phenolic, tannin, and saponin secondary metabolites. A. hireochuntica have activity to increase the oxytocin hormone levels in pregnant mice (G1 averaged 49.79; G2 averaged 83.38; G3 averaged 91.05; and G4 averaged 101.39 pg/ml), increase the contraction of onset time (G2 averaged 17; G2 averaged 14.71; and G4 averaged 13.57 minutes) and shorten labor time. Conclusion: The use of A. hierochuntica decoction significantly increases levels of the oxytocin and uterine contractions. The use of A. hireochuntica in delivery women as traditional herbs requires monitoring from health workers because of its strong ability to increase contractions, and must be done carefully with health worker recommendation.

Implementation of Preconception Care: A Scoping Review

2025-06-21T02:06:22Z

Title: Implementation of Preconception Care: A Scoping Review Authors: Agusta, Nabila Seilla; Astuti, Andari Wuri Abstract: Background: Preconception services provide women with a variety of programs that start when they are teenagers and continue through pregnancy. These programs are designed to ensure a healthy pregnancy. A well-prepared pregnancy is less likely to cause problems for both mother and child. Approximately 800 women died every day in 2020, contributing to a Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) of 223 for every 100,000 live births. By 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will reduce the MMR to 70 per 100,000 live births. Strengthening healthcare systems especially for preconception services are urgent to reduce maternal and child health risks. Supporting projects that aim to improve the accessibility and quality of preconception and other reproductive health services is something the World Health Organization is doing to fill the gaps that exist in these areas. Purpose: The following research efforts aim to provide a comprehensive picture of the implementation of preconception care. Methods: This study used a scoping review method that goes through several stages, including (1) Identifying scoping review questions, which refer to the PCC framework; (2) Identifying relevant articles using three databases (PubMed, Ebsco, and ScienceDirect) with keywords (implementation*) and (preconception*) or (preconception care*) and (expectant parent*). (3) Selection of articles, 303 articles were obtained which were then filtered into 6 articles; (4) Data charting and quality assessment of articles using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tools (MMAT); and (5) Presentation of data/results, discussion, and conclusions. Conclusion: Preconception services can help identify potential problems in women and men that could potentially hinder the couple from obtaining a pregnancy. Couples can be given treatment when problems are found, to prepare a safe and heathy pregnancy. Lack of awareness, unsupportive facilities, and expensive service fees become obstacles. Policies and roles of various parties are needed to support and improve the quality of preconception care.

Exploring Mothers' Perspectives and Experiences on Stunting: Implications for Interventions at Health Center

2025-06-21T02:04:58Z

Title: Exploring Mothers' Perspectives and Experiences on Stunting: Implications for Interventions at Health Center Authors: Wulandari, Ririn; Putri, Savira Izzati; Bardaie, Nafisa Iqbal Abstract: Background: Stunting is one of prevalent form of malnutrition affecting children worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 148.1 million children under the age of five are classified as stunted, meaning their height is below the expected standard for their age. It is suspected that stunting associated with developmental delays in children. Stunting can result from multiple factors, one of which is the lack of maternal knowledge and awareness regarding this condition. Purpose: This study aims to describe the experiences and understanding of mothers with children diagnosed with stunting. Methods: This research employs a qualitative descriptive design. The study sample consists of eight mothers with stunted children aged 1–5 years, selected using purposive sampling and snowball sampling. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis. Results: The findings indicate that most respondents perceive stunting merely as a condition characterized by short stature and low body weight, often attributing it to genetic factors. Their knowledge and understanding of children's dietary patterns and maternal nutrition during pregnancy remain incomplete. Additionally, environmental hygiene practices are limited to basic activities such as sweeping, mopping, and dusting, without considering other hygiene aspects that may impact child health. Conclusion: Although respondents regularly attend posyandu (integrated health service posts) and acknowledge its benefits, and receive information about stunting from multiple sources such as posyandu, midwives, and community health volunteers (kader kesehatan), the absence of a structured and routine stunting awareness program in the village poses a significant challenge in strengthening maternal understanding and prevention efforts. The information received is lacks depth, resulting in suboptimal application of knowledge in daily practices.