• MS. PRADNYA NAMDEO VHASALE
• Mr. Swapnil Tambe

Background of study: Breastfeeding is universally recognized as the optimal method of infant feeding, providing a unique blend of nutrients, bioactive factors, and immunological components essential for the growth and development of infants. The advantages of breastfeeding extend beyond the infant's health, positively impacting maternal health outcomes as well. Despite the well-documented benefits of breastfeeding, many mothers experience challenges that hinder successful initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. Breast engorgement is one such common issue faced by postnatal mothers, characterized by swelling, pain, and discomfort due to the accumulation of milk in the breasts. Breast engorgement not only impacts the physical well-being of the mother but also poses obstacles to establishing successful breastfeeding. Engorgement may make it difficult for infants to latch effectively, leading to ineffective milk removal and further exacerbating the condition. Reverse pressure softening (RPS) has emerged as a non-invasive technique to alleviate breast engorgement and facilitate effective breastfeeding. This method involves applying gentle pressure around the areola to redistribute excess milk towards the periphery of the breast, thereby softening the areola and facilitating easier latch-on for the infant. Objectives: 1.To assess the existing level of breast engorgement and breast feeding among post-natal mothers 2. To evaluate effectiveness of reverse pressure softening technique on breast engorgement and breast feeding among post-natal mothers 3. To determine association between post-test level of breast engorgement and breast feeding among post-natal mothers with selected demographic variables. Material and methods: : A pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test study design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of reverse pressure softening technique on breast engorgement and breast feeding among post-natal mothers admitted in Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni Bk. The sample consisted of 60 post-natal mothers admitted in selected hospital. Sampling technique used for the current study was non probability purposive sampling. The level of breast engorgement is assessed by using a six-point engorgement scale and level of breast feeding is assessed by using LATCHES scale. An interventional procedure of reverse pressure softening technique was provided to the post-natal mothers admitted in selected setting. The results were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics (mean difference, paired ‘t’ test, chi square analysis). Results: The demographic findings of critical care setting staff nurses concluded that, majority of the 25(50%) were from 24-27 years of age, 20(40%) samples have completed with their secondary education, 31(62%) were unemployed, 23(46%) were having income between Rs. 5001-10000/-, 25(50%) were having nuclear family, 27(54%) were having mixed dietary pattern, 30(60%) were from rural area, 29(58%) were having parity of one child. In the pretest majority of the post-natal mothers 22(44%) were having mild breast engorgement, 22(44%) were having moderate breast engorgement and 06(12%) were having severe breast engorgement. In the post-test majority of the post-natal mothers 29(58%) were having mild breast engorgement, 19(38%) were having moderate breast engorgement and 02(4%) were having severe breast engorgement. The mean pretest score of breast engorgement was 3 ± 1.07, whereas the mean post-test score was found out to be 2.34 ± 0.89. The mean difference was found out to be 0.66 with the standard deviation of mean difference was found out to be ±1.09. Concluding that the reverse pressure softening technique was found to be effective in minimizing breast engorgement among post-natal mothers. In the pretest majority of the post-natal mothers 42(84%) were following poor breast feeding, 08(16%) were following fair breast feeding and 01(2%) were following good breast-feeding practices. In the post-test majority of the post-natal mothers 43(86%) were found to be following good breast-feeding practices, 07(14%) were following fair breast-feeding practices and no one was found to be with poor practices. The mean pretest score of breast feeding was 11.96 ± 1.06 whereas the mean post test score was 25.1 ±0.61. The mean difference was found out to be 13.14 with the standard deviation of mean difference was found out to be ±1.3 concluding that the reverse pressure softening technique was found to be effective in improving breast feeding among post-natal mothers. The mean post-test knowledge score 21.96 ± 1.69 is greater than that of mean pretest score 18.68 ± 2.5. There was no any significant association of post-test level of breast engorgement and breast feeding among post-natal mothers with selected demographic variables such as age, education, occupational status, and monthly family income, type of family, area of residence, dietary pattern and parity of post-natal mothers. Conclusion: - The study findings have shown that the reverse pressure softening technique was effective in minimizing breast engorgement and improving breast feeding practices among post-natal mothers admitted in DRVVPPRH Loni Bk.

evaluate, effectiveness, reverse pressure softening technique, breast engorgement, and breast feeding, post-natal mothers.

"A Study to Evaluate Effectiveness of Reverse Pressure Softening Technique on Breast Engorgement and Breast Feeding Among Post-Natal Mothers Admitted In Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni Bk.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 2, page no.f168-f175, February-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2502525.pdf

"A Study to Evaluate Effectiveness of Reverse Pressure Softening Technique on Breast Engorgement and Breast Feeding Among Post-Natal Mothers Admitted In Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni Bk.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 2, page no. ppf168-f175, February-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2502525.pdf