A Study to Find the Prevalence of Breast Engorgement among Lactating Mothers

Abstract

Introduction: Breast engorgement problem was common in early days and also after weeks of breast feeding. This frequent problem can happen to lactating mother who don't or can't breast feed as well as those who do. It is usually caused by an imbalance between milk supply and infant demand, if engorgement left untreated it can lead to potentially serious issues including painful blebs, plugged milk ducts or mastitis. Aim:The study aimed to find out the prevalence of breast engorgement among lactating mothers with vaginal delivery, lower segmental caesarean section. Materials and Methods:A total of 90 women were selected from Saveetha Hospital and Saveetha Rural Health Centre, based on the inclusion criteria Saveetha Hospital and Saveetha Rural Health Centre, based on the inclusion criteria of Lactating mothers with Breast Engorgement and pain for atleast 2-3days who underwent vaginal delivery or lower segmental caesarean section. Exclusion criteria were lactating mothers with soft breast and non lactating mothers and other breast problems. After getting the consent from mothers and after explaining the Six Point Self-rated Engorgement Scale (SPES) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). They were asked to rate their level of engorgement and pain. The materials used were VAS and SPES. Results:The study showed that the prevalence of breast engorgement among lactating mothers was 65%-75%. Conclusion:The study concluded that the prevalence of breast engorgement among lactating mothers was 65%-75%. Breast engorgement is a major issue in the lactating mothers can leads to many problems like blocked milk ducts, feeding difficulties, a depressed milk ejection reflex, infection, inflammation of the breast and sore/cracked nipples.