A study to assess the knowledge regarding breast engorgement and its associated risk factors among postnatal mothers

Breast feeding is an unequal way of providing ideal food for healthy growth and development of baby. It is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implication for the health of the mothers. The main reason for considering the breast feeding as important is that, it is an essential time of bonding between mother and baby. Breast feeding provides close physical contact and help mother and baby become acquainted. Breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for newborn before they are able to eat and digest other foods. It contains enough nutrition needed for growth and development of the baby The National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015−2016 reports that the painful breast is the most common reason for giving up breast feeding in first two weeks after the birth. One factor that leads to such pain can be “breast engorgement”. It is reported that 72%−85% of mothers are affected by breast engorgement. It occurs within three-six days after delivery. Breast engorgement can occur any time during lactation when milk is not transferred from the breast. Not all babies are able to feed at the breast due to prematurity, illness, abnormalities, separation from their mothers, which can lead to breast engorgement. So, it is important to follow proper breast feeding techniques to prevent breast engorgement, the commonest problem in the early postnatal period. The high incidence rate of breast engorgement is due to poor knowledge regarding care of breast and breast engorgement, hence, it is important to assess the knowledge level of the postnatal woman regarding breast engorgement. Breast engorgement is a physiological condition during the two weeks of child birth in which there is lymphatic and vascular congestion and presence of new milk. Breast feeding can be emotionally demanding and physically exhausting. Breast feeding is natural but first time mothers don't know the breast feeding. Almost all the mothers experience doubts about their ability to care for their newborns. Feeding is the way which is helpful for the growth and development of the infants and prevent the mothers from breast related problems. The present study aims to assess the knowledge regarding breast engorgement and its associated risk factors among postnatal mothers. A quantitative research design was conducted among 60 postnatal mothers. Convenient sampling technique was used to select samples. A semi-structured interview was used to collect demographic data. A structured questionnaire containing 15 questions were given to the mother to assess the knowledge on breast engorgement among postnatal mothers. The study result show significant improvement in the knowledge among postnatal mothers at the level of p< 0.05. This reveals that out of total 60 samples 30 samples (50%)were have inadequate knowledge, 25 samples (25%)were have moderate knowledge, and 5 samples(8%) were have adequate knowledge on breast engorgement among postnatal mothers.