The Effect of Nipple Stimulation on the Latent Phase Duration of Labor First Stage

Abstract

During the delivery process, nipple stimulation is very good to be given because it will stimulate the pituitary that will release oxytocin from the posterior hypothalamus. This stimulation will make myoepithelial cells around the alveoli in the mammary glands to increase uterine contractions. The purpose of this research was to measure the effect of nipple stimulation on the latent phase of labor. This research was performed quantitatively with a quasi-experimental research design. As many as 20 respondents were involved, selected by using purposive sampling. These 20 respondents were divided into 2 groups, namely the treatment group and the control group. Furthermore, the treatment group was divided into 3, which are mothers who were provided nipple stimulation by husbands, families, and midwives. The data used were primary data which were obtained directly from the respondents. After the treatment was given, the latent phase I was observed using a stopwatch and then recorded on the observation sheet. Data analysis was conducted by using statistical test of independent sample t-test. The results demonstrated that the average duration of the latent phase I in which  nipple stimulation was given by the husband as long as 127.40 minutes, those given by the family was 151.40 minutes, and those given by the midwife was 157.80 minutes, while the duration for the control group was 217.00 minutes. Furthermore, the results of independent sample t-test obtained p-value 0.000; 0.007; 0.007 <0.05. In conclusion, nipple stimulation affects the latent phase of labor.