Background: Pain is a common complaint felt by mothers during childbirth. Non-pharmacological therapies can minimise labor pain which can be reduced by applying rubbing massage and deep back massage.

Aim: To determine the effect of rubbing massage and deep back massage on labor pain among mothers during active phase 1 in Pekalongan City.

Methods: Quantitative research used a quasi-experimental approach with a pretest and posttest control group design. The sample of each group was 21 mothers, taken using purposive sampling. A numeric pain rating scale measures pain. The statistical test used the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests.

Results: The bivariate analysis of the rubbing massage group revealed a mean difference of -1.09 and p 0.000. The bivariate findings of the deep back massage group obtained a mean difference of -0.9 and p 0.000. A comparison of the effectiveness between the rubbing massage and deep back massage groups was p 0.032.

Conclusion: Rubbing massage and deep back massage are effective in reducing active phase 1 labor pain. Rubbing massage is more effective in reducing pain than a deep back massage. Keywords: Pain, labor pain, massage, pain management