EFFECT OF APPLICATION OF CABBAGE LEAVES ON BREAST ENGORGEMENT AMONG POSTNATAL WOMEN- A PILOT STUDY

Introduction and background: During immediate postpartum period there is sudden rise in the production of breast milk. Poor newborn breastfeeding or congestion or obstruction of the breastmilk outflow can give rise to a breast complication called breast engorgement which is commonly found in 2nd and 3rd postpartum day. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of application of cabbage leaves on breast engorgement among postnatal women. Methodology: The research approach used was quantitative approach. Quasi experimental, Pretest posttest control group design was used. The study was conducted in Arushi Hospital, Petlad and Navjivan hospital, Petlad. 10 postnatal women were conveniently selected (experimental group (5) and control group (5)). The tool of data collection included a Bio-demographic Performa, self-developed breast engorgement severity rating scale and Numerical pain rating scale. Pre-treatment assessment for breast- engorgement was done for both experimental and control group. Experimental group was provided with the treatment of application of chilled cabbage leaves 2 times in a day for 3 consecutive days with assessment of breast engorgement after each day whereas control group were not provided with any treatment with assessment daily till 3 days. Results: The data was analyze using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study result showed that there was reduction in mean score of pain from before (6.2) to after (1.0) application of cabbage leaves. In breast engorgement severity rating scale the result showed reduction in all the parameters from pre-treatment mean score to post- treatment mean score which was redness (before 2.4, after 0.2), warmth (before 2.4, after 0.4), hardness (before 2.4, after 0.6), swelling (before 2.2, after 0), lactation (before 1.6, after 0.2). Conclusion: Hence, the study concluded that there exists a huge impact of cabbage leaves on relieving breast engorgement. There is significant reduction in pain and severity of breast engorgement among postnatal women after the application of cabbage leaves. Hence, cabbage leaves can be used as a home-based measure to relieve breast engorgement.