Publication:

Effectiveness of lukewarm water compress in reduction of breast engorgement and breast pain among postnatal mothers in selected hospital in Aizawl, Mizoram

Background Breastfeeding is the optimal method of infant feeding, providing essential nutrition and health benefits for mother and child. However, breast engorgement is a common early postpartum complication that causes swollen, tight, hard, and painful breasts and often leads to premature cessation of breastfeeding. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are used for relief. This study evaluated the effectiveness of lukewarm water compress in reduction of breast engorgement and breast pain among postnatal mothers in a selected hospital in Aizawl, Mizoram.

Methods A pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was used with a non-probability sample of 30 postnatal mothers. Lukewarm water compresses were applied to the breasts for 15-20 minutes twice daily for two consecutive days. Demographic data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Breast engorgement was assessed with the six-point engorgement scale (SPES) and breast pain with the visual analogue scale (VAS). Data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0.

Results Mean breast pain scores decreased from 2.73±0.69 to 1.73±0.58 (t=12.04, p=0.001). Mean breast engorgement scores decreased from 4.87±0.63 to 3.60±0.62 (t=15.42, p=0.001). Most demographic variables showed no statistically significant association with pretest breast engorgement and breast pain scores; occupation and postpartum day were significantly associated with breast pain levels.

Conclusions Lukewarm water compresses serve as a simple, safe, and cost-effective non-pharmacological method for alleviating breast engorgement and pain. Incorporating this intervention into routine postnatal nursing care may improve maternal comfort and support successful, sustained breastfeeding practices.