الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
The postpartum period is a very special phase in woman`s life and her newborn. During this period the women recovers from labor and physically reverts to her non-pregnant state as well as adapts to her new role. However, postpartum period is a time when problems may develop quickly, which if not diagnosed promptly and treated effectively, can lead to illness and death of the mother or infant. These problems include flat, inverted, cracked, and sore nipples as well as engorged breasts, which consequently, may result in discontinuation of breastfeeding or addition of supplements of animal milk or commercial infant formula.
Breast engorgement usually occurs between the third and the fifth postpartum day. It is caused by insufficient breastfeeding and /or obstruction of milk ducts. Breast engorgement is sometimes accompanied by fever and malaise; heavy and painful breasts, as well as reddish areas, and edema. As a result, it may inhibit successful breastfeeding, leading to early breastfeeding cessation, or it may be associated with breast infection (fissures and abscesses).
Breast engorgement could be manage by non-pharmacological measures including alternate hot and cold compresses as well as chilled cabbage leaves. Warm compresses before breastfeeding help relieve discomfort and facilitate letdown reflex, while cold compresses after breastfeeding help reduce swelling, warmth and pain. Chilled cabbage leaves also help decrease tissue congestion by dilating local capillaries, which improve the blood flow in and out of the area, allowing the body to reabsorb the fluid trapped in the breasts. Thus, this study was undertaken to compare the effects of cabbage leaves versus warm and cold compresses on breast engorgement during early puerperium.