The Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) compression for treatment of Breast Engorgement on Lactation Self-efficacy

Lactation self-efficacy can be the strongest predictor of quality and duration of breastfeeding. This study was performed with aim to determine the effect of Ginger compression for treatment of breast engorgement on lactation self-efficacy. This clinical trial study was performed in 2018 on 76 lactating women with breast engorgement in Mashhad. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of Ginger warm compression and conventional care. The mothers of intervention group were treated with Ginger compression, three times daily for two days. The study tools included standard index of breast engorgement severity, standard dentist's self-efficacy questionnaire and demographic characteristics form. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22) and Mann-Whitney, independent T-test, Chi-square and variance analysis. P There was no significant difference between two groups in mean scores of self-efficacy before the intervention (p = 0.320). After the intervention, mean score of self-efficacy was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (p <0.001). Ginger compression faster improves the symptoms of breast engorgement and consequently, significantly increases lactation self-efficacy score compared to conventional care.