The Effect of Alternating Application of Cold and Hot Compresses on Reduction of Breast Engorgement Among Lactating Mothers

Abstract

Background: Breast engorgement is a common issue that affects breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Engorgement can cause exhaustion, making it difficult to care for and feed the infant, and it can cause a mother to wean her baby before she intends to initiate breastfeeding. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the alternating application of cold and hot compresses in reducing breast engorgement among lactating mothers. Design, sample size and setting: A quasi-experimental study design is used to conduct this study. A purposeful sample of 100 lactating mothers was screened in the postnatal ward for the presence of breast engorgement. The 100 mothers with engorgement were divided into two equal groups of 50 mothers each - the first group (the intervention) and the second group (the control) - at the postnatal ward of King Abdulaziz Hospital-National Guard in Alahsa City. Sampling and tools: The data collection was conducted over five months, from January 2023 until May 2023. Data collection was done through a structured interview questionnaire sheet. The questionnaire was divided into six parts: socio-demographic data, obstetric and initial women assessment, the six-point engorgement scale (SPES), the visual analog scale (VAS), the LATCH breastfeeding charting scale, and the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT).

Result: The present study found no statistically significant difference between the study intervention and control groups in breast engorgement, LATCH level, or overall level of breastfeeding assessment before the intervention. While, in terms of breast engorgement, pain level, attachment, and LATCH, the overall levels of infant breastfeeding assessment across study time had a statistically significant variance among the study and control groups after the intervention at p values=<0.001.

Conclusion and recommendations: The alternating application of cold and hot compresses can have a significant role in reducing breast engorgement among lactating mothers. Women should be encouraged to use hot compresses and cold gel packs as an alternative treatment to reduce engorgement and promote comfort. In addition, the study results can be utilized to aid Saudi Arabian nurses and midwives in understanding the advantages of applying a cold gel pack and a hot compress and to decrease levels of engorgement, improve latch, and relieve discomfort.

Keywords: breast engorgement; cold gel pack; compress application; non-pharmacological methods; nursing care.