MIDWIFERY CARE FOR A POSTPARTUM MOTHER P20002 ON DAY 11 WITH MILK ENGORGEMENT: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

The breastfeeding process is a series of activities that a mother will undergo, especially after giving birth. During this process, there are various problems that may occur, one of which is a blocked milk duct. This condition happens when breast milk cannot flow optimally, triggering several symptoms such as swollen, painful, and hard breasts, causing discomfort during breastfeeding. Improper handling of a blocked milk duct can lead to mastitis. Until now, the incidence rate of blocked milk ducts is 36.12%, which of course affects the success of exclusive breastfeeding. What makes this case unique is the use of aloe vera massage therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention to help reduce blocked milk ducts. The aim of this case report is to evaluate the effectiveness of aloe vera massage in reducing blocked milk ducts in post-Cesarean mothers. This research is qualitative with a case report using a midwifery care approaches Mrs. H, a 32-year-old woman (P20002), on the 11th day postpartum following a Cesarean section, who presented with complaints of swelling, firmness, tenderness of the left breast, and decreased breast milk production. The breast engorgement was managed through breastfeeding education, breast care, maternal condition monitoring, and aloe vera massage therapy. The care was documented using the SOAP format during three home visits. Initial assessment revealed that the patient's left breast was swollen, firm, and tender on palpation, with a body temperature of 37.5°C and inadequate breast milk flow. Following the provision of comprehensive midwifery care and aloe vera massage therapy over three home visits, there was a noticeable reduction in breast swelling, decreased pain, normalization of body temperature to 36.8°C, and improved breast milk production. The mother also demonstrated improved breastfeeding techniques, and no signs of complications such as mastitis were observed. Aloe vera massage therapy, combined with breastfeeding education and breast care, was effective in reducing breast engorgement, improving breast milk flow, and enhancing maternal comfort in a postpartum mother following Cesarean section. This therapy may serve as an alternative complementary intervention for the management of breast engorgement.
Keywords: Breast Engorgement; Postpartum; Aloe Vera Massage