Applying Breast Mask Containing Cabbage Leaves Extract to Relieve Breast Discomfort in Breastfeeding Women

Breast engorgement as the swelling and distention of breast, which is one of the most common problems often occurs 2-4 days after delivery, resulting in pain and fever, which reduces the intention of mothers to continue breastfeeding and causes to stop breastfeeding in the early postpartum period.

There are many conservative treatments for relieving breast engorgement. At present, there have been published studies on the application of medications, cold compresses, warm compresses, massages, gua sha and cabbage leaves compression to breast problems during lactation. Previous studies have shown that cabbage leaves compression can relieve the breast engorgement, pain, and hardness of postpartum women. However, safety concerns related to freshness, preservation, and residual pesticides must be considered when using cabbage leaves in a clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to examine whether breast mask containing cabbage leaves extract can improve breast engorgement, pain, and hardness.

Inclusion criteria

• Over 18 years old.
• Breastfeeding.
• Physiological breast swelling, breast heaviness, lumps, milk plugging, breast pain after childbirth.
• Able to read and understand Chinese.

Exclusion criteria

• Stillbirth
• Allergy to cabbage or sulfa.
• lactation inhibitors agents used.
• Fever symptoms (> 38 degrees Celsius), including: wound infection, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection.
• Breast symptoms, including: nipple cracks, skin damage, breast abscesses, mastitis, Malignant tumors.
• Postpartum complications, including: postpartum hemorrhage, amniotic fluid embolism or other diseases requiring close care.