The Effect of Hollyhock (Althaea officinalis L) Leaf Compresses Combined With Warm and Cold Compress on Breast Engorgement in Lactating Women

Abstract

Breast engorgement affects lactation. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of hollyhock combined with warm and cold compresses on improving breast engorgement in lactating women. Participants included 40 women with breast engorgement divided into intervention and control groups, with participants in both groups being applied routine interventions and warm compress before nursing and a cold compress after nursing; however, the intervention group was also applied hollyhock compress. Both groups received these treatments 6 times during 2 days. The data collected were analyzed in SPSS-16 using a generalized estimating equation. According to the results, a significant difference was observed in the overall breast engorgement severity in the intervention group ( P < .001). The severity of breast engorgement was also found to have a significant relationship with time ( P < .001). According to the findings, hollyhock leaf compress combined with performing routine interventions for breast engorgement can improve breast engorgement.