Effect of Warm Ginger versus Cold aloe vera Gel Compresses on Breast Engorgement among Postnatal Mothers: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Breast engorgement is one of the most common minor discomforts affecting 65%-75% of lactating women throughout the world and 82% in Egypt, especially primiparae. It may subside within 24 to 48 hours or 3-5 days. Sometimes Breast engorgement lasts for more than 2 weeks, and interferes with the start and continuation of exclusive breastfeeding. Aim of the study: this study aims to investigate the effect of warm ginger versus cold aloe vera gel compresses on breast engorgement among postnatal mothers. Design: A quasi-experimental research design. Sample: A convenient sample of 60 postnatal mothers. Setting: This study was carried out at postnatal clinic and ward of El-Shatby Maternity University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt, from July 2021 to August 2021. Tools: Data was collected through two tools, basic data structured interview schedule, which included socio-demographic data as well as reproductive and breastfeeding histories; Breast Engorgement Assessment Scale, which involved redness, pain, edema and pyrexia. Results: This study reported no breast engorgement and associated symptoms (redness, pain, edema, pyrexia) were found among warm ginger compresses group on the 7 th day after intervention (23.3%), compared to cold aloe vera gel compresses group (6.7%), although the relationship was not statistically significant. Conclusion: this study concluded that warm ginger compresses were more effective in relieving breast engorgement and its associated symptoms (redness, pain, edema, pyrexia) among postnatal lactating mothers than cold aloe vera gel compresses, although the relationship was not statistically significant.