Ultrasound therapy and taping in lactating mothers with breast engorgement

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.