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

Hassan Shamekh, Abeer; Hassan Ahmed, Afaf; S. Badawy, Amany; Zaki Hassan Roma, Naglaa

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2022.214511

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

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Obstetric and Gynecologic Nursing Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt

² Assistant professor of Obstetric and Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt.

³ Assistant professor of Obstetric and Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt.

10.21608/ejhc.2022.214511

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.

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