No abstract

Breast engorgement is commonly encountered in lactating mothers, it is defined as the swelling and distension of breast, usually in the early days of initiation of lactation, due to vascular dilation as well as the arrival of the milk. It is the painful overfilling of the breasts with milk. This is usually caused by an imbalance between milk supply and infant demand. Early breast fullness occurs as milk supply develops and while new born has an irregular breast-feeding routine. Then normal fullness is caused by the milk and extra blood and fluids in the breasts as body uses the extra fluids to make breast milk and if baby is not breast-fed for several days then breast engorgement can occur. Twenty four-year old mother with past medical history of hypothyroid, hypertension and she complained firmness of breast. On palpation of the breast, tenderness is present. Due to pain, firm and tenderness she was not able to feed her baby. Pain and engorgement were assessed by using visual analogue scaleand6-point self-rated engorgement scale. After one week of treatment with ultrasound therapy and taping, there was decrease in breast engorgement and pain.

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.