Influence of Hot Compresses Versus Cabbage Leaves on Engorged Breast in Early Puerperium

Mervat Caber Zagloul,Elsaida Gouda Naser,Hanan Elzeblawy Hassan

doi:10.20849/ijsn.v5i2.740

Abstract

Breast engorgement is а common issue affecting breastfeeding initiation and length. There are minimal options for relieving the pain associated with breast engorgement. Therefore, further study of strategies to achieve successful pain relief is crucial to promoting progress in breastfeeding. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of compressed cold cabbage leaves versus hot compresses among postnatal mothers in relieving breast engorgement. Αn interventional quasi-experimental study design used to conduct this study. The study was carried out in the postnatal wards of Ismailia & port-Said general hospitals, and Suez Canal University Hospital. Α convenient sample study was 60 breast-engorgement postnatal mothers. Tools of data collection were; an interviewing questionnaire sheet included socio-demographic and obstetrical data, Visual Analogue Scale, and Six-point engorgement scale. The results showed that before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups linked to breast engorgement symptoms & body temperature. But body temperature, scores of breast engorgement and pain were statistically significant differentiated between the two groups’ pre and post-intervention. Significant improvement in the breast engorgement and pain scales after the intervention was found, (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study revealed that hot compresses and cabbage leaves compresses, as well, for relieving breast engorgement; are time-efficient and easy to perform. However, hot compresses are better than compresses of raw cabbage leaves to minimize discomfort among postnatal mothers and to alleviate breast engorgement. Additional randomized controlled trials with potential placebo treatment should be performed to elucidate the unspecific effects of the application of hot compress and cold Cabbage leaves.

Highlights

Engorgement of breasts is а common phenomenon when breast milk first arrives in the breast after three or four days postpartum, accompanied by discomfort, tenderness, and possibly heat
It is due to а sudden rise in the production of milk, lymphatic & vascular obstruction, and interstitial edema as well due to insufficient breastfeeding. [1,2,3,4] Engorgement may be properly handled by emptying the engorged breast or more often holding the baby on the breast. [5, 6] The manual expression can be required to get milk moving at this time. [7,8] Cold packs application on the engorged breast, along with cabbage leaves for approximately twenty-minute to induce milk ejection and minimize breast swelling. [9,10,11,12] Hanging breasts & nipples in а pot of warm water and express milk before feeding can reduce pain and causing relaxation the blood vessel; opening blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the area. [13,14,15,16]
[29] It is described as swelling and breast distention, one of the most common problems that postpartum females face during early breastfeeding. [30,31,32] For this study, an interventional quasi-experimental design was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of cold cabbage leaves and hot compresses to alleviate postpartum women's breast congestion; the researchers found no statistically significant difference in socio-demographic features and breastfeeding characteristics between two groups

Summary

Introduction

Engorgement of breasts is а common phenomenon when breast milk first arrives in the breast after three or four days postpartum, accompanied by discomfort, tenderness, and possibly heat. [7,8] Cold packs application on the engorged breast, along with cabbage leaves for approximately twenty-minute to induce milk ejection and minimize breast swelling. [9,10,11,12] Hanging breasts & nipples in а pot of warm water and express milk before feeding can reduce pain and causing relaxation the blood vessel; opening blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the area. [17,18,19] Application of cabbage leaves has been used to reduce tissue pressure by dilating local capillaries, which increases blood flow to and from the area and helps the body reabsorb the accumulated fluid in the breasts. It is due to а sudden rise in the production of milk, lymphatic & vascular obstruction, and interstitial edema as well due to insufficient breastfeeding. [1,2,3,4] Engorgement may be properly handled by emptying the engorged breast or more often holding the baby on the breast. [5, 6] The manual expression can be required to get milk moving at this time. [7,8] Cold packs application on the engorged breast, along with cabbage leaves for approximately twenty-minute to induce milk ejection and minimize breast swelling. [9,10,11,12] Hanging breasts & nipples in а pot of warm water and express milk before feeding can reduce pain and causing relaxation the blood vessel; opening blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the area. [13,14,15,16]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion