The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy Using Peppermint Leaves on Reducing Anxiety Levels in Postpartum Mothers At RSIA Paradise South Kalimantan

Abstract

Background: Childbirth is the process of expelling a viable conception from the uterus to the outside world. A mother in labor who is anxious will produce cortisol hormones excessively. The anxious state that can affect the pain perception in mothers.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to determine the effectiveness of peppermint aromatherapy on reducing anxiety levels in primiparous mothers during the active phase of labor.

Methods: The research design uses a quasi-experimental method while the sampling technique employs purposive sampling, resulting in 11 samples of primiparous mothers in active phase of first stage labor.

Results: The research results obtained a p-value of 0.03 (<0.05), indicating an effect of peppermint leaf aromatherapy on reducing anxiety levels in primiparous mothers during the active phase of the first stage of labor.

Conclusion: The conclusion of this research is that the aromatherapy of peppermint leaves is effective in reducing the anxiety levels of mothers during childbirth at RSIA Paradise South Kalimantan. It is recommended that this aromatherapy be applied in midwifery care during childbirth.