PURPOSE:
Breast engorgement affects two-thirds of postnatal women between day 3 to day 5 after delivery. It occurs due to milk coming-in and vascular dilation around the breasts. Symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks. If not managed properly, breast engorgement can cause pain, breastfeeding difficulty or even lead to withdrawal from breastfeeding.

DISCUSSION:
In our study, we combined K-taping with manual lymphatic drainage massage to manage breast engorgement of early postnatal mothers by the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. Results showed that 86.1% of participants experienced relief from engorgement and 72.2 % of them reported enhancement in milk flow. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain reduced from 5.74 before the treatment to 4.00 after 1 hour, then to 3.57 on day 1, and 2.00 on day 2. For the Breast Engorgement Score, it reduced from 5.41 before the treatment to 3.92 after 1 hour, then to 3.57 and 2.25 on the following days.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
As recommended by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol #20, traditional management includes breast massage, hand expression, cold compress and ultrasound treatment. However, excessive massage or hand expression can cause tissue inflammation and cause discomfort. Recently, Kinesio Taping (K-taping) has become one of the effective methods of pain management and lymphatic drainage.

KEY MESSAGE:
In conclusion, K-taping with manual lymphatic drainage is effective in reducing breast engorgement without causing significant side effects or difficulty in breastfeeding. A fast-relieving effect is evidenced by a significant reduction in VAS and breast engorgement score after 1 hour of implementation. This strategy is highly accepted by postnatal mothers and are beneficial to them during breast engorgement. Poster session 2 (Group A)