Postpartum non-lactating client with breast discomfort; which intervention should the nurse discuss?

• A. Massage breasts
• B. Place fresh cabbage leaves on your breasts.
• C. Avoid wearing a supportive bra
• D. Apply ice packs to breasts

Answer: (B)

Engorgement in a postpartum patient who is not lactating occurs from milk stasis and breast tissue edema, so the goal is to relieve swelling and discomfort without stimulating more milk production. Fresh chilled cabbage leaves applied to the breasts provide a cooling, gentle anti-inflammatory effect that helps reduce edema and tenderness without triggering lactation. This makes it the most appropriate intervention for this scenario. Massage would stimulate milk flow and could worsen engorgement, and wearing no supportive bra can increase swelling—she should wear a well-fitted supportive bra. Ice packs can help reduce swelling as well, but cabbage leaves specifically address the swelling and pain in a nonlactating engorged state. To use, wash and chill clean cabbage leaves, apply them to the breasts for about 15–20 minutes several times a day, and replace them as they wilt, removing if skin irritation occurs.