Effectiveness of Chilled Cabbage Leaves Versus Hot Application on Breast Engorgement among Postnatal Mothers in Selected Hospitals of Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Background of the study: Breast feeding is important imperious in the mother’s life. Breast milk may be complete healthy and salubrious supplement for the baby to help of the conjointly growth and development [1]. Breast engorgement causes discomfort and tenderness and pain that affect breastfeeding mothers early in the postpartum. The breast engorgement is one of the main factors contributing to early interruption of breastfeeding. Very few researches have been proven to monitor the effect of cabbage leaves application on breast engorgement [2].

Methodology: A quasi-experimental design two group pretest posttest design was used. A conceptual framework of Imogene king goal attainment model (1981) used for the conceptualization of the study. Total samples of 40 postnatal mothers were selected for the study using non probability purposive sampling technique. The samples divided in two experimental groups i.e. 20 in chilled cabbage leaves and 20 in hot application (temperature 43-46 degree Celsius - and tool used sociodemographic, pain scale & breast engorgement checklist and post test data collected after the intervention on 3rd day.

Results: Both the intervention, chilled cabbage leaves and hot application were effective and reduced pain in postnatal mothers (p=0.001*) at p<0.05 level. In chilled cabbage leaves & hot application are equally effective in reduced breast engorgement in postnatal mothers (p=0.001*) at p<0.05 level.

Conclusion: Findings of chilled cabbage leaves and hot application were effective and reduced pain and breast engorgement among postnatal mothers.