Effect of aloe vera gel compresses on breast engorgement among postpartum mother

Abstract

Navigating the challenges of new motherhood, a staggering 50 to 70 percent of women find themselves grappling with clogged milk ducts.. Aloe vera gel compresses can be used on breasts to reduce edema. Aloe vera is known for its effective anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aloe vera gel compresses on breast engorgement in postpartum mothers. The study included postpartum mothers as the target population. The research design employed a pretest-posttest methodology comprising a control group and non-probability sampling using consecutive sampling. Statistical analyses involved the Paired T-Test and Independent T-Test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The sample consisted of thirty respondents, with 15 in the control group and 15 in the experimental group. Over a period of three days, aloe vera gel compresses were applied to the breasts twice a day. The Bourbonnais pain scale evaluation checklist was used to assess the degree of breast pain. The findings of this study demonstrate that the intervention involving aloe vera gel compresses significantly reduced breast engorgement (p = 0.000; mean SD 2 ± 1.25) and associated pain (p = 0.000; mean SD 2.2 ± 1.37). The results of this study suggest that the use of aloe vera gel compresses can effectively alleviate breast pain and swelling in postpartum mothers. Given the substantial benefits observed, healthcare professionals may consider incorporating aloe vera gel compresses as a non-invasive and natural intervention for postpartum mothers experiencing breast engorgement and discomfort.