Effectiveness of the Natural Breast Self-Circulation Program on Postpartum Breast Engorgement, Mental Health, and Quality of Life Among Early Postpartum Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background/Objectives: Breast engorgement and associated pain, often resulting from milk stasis, impaired circulation, and tissue edema, may adversely affect maternal and neonatal health, as well as maternal mental health and quality of life in early postpartum women. Despite the availability of massage-based methods, the evidence supporting structured self-care programs remains limited. This study aims to develop and evaluate a natural breast self-circulation program and assess its effectiveness in improving breast engorgement, mental health, and quality of life among early postpartum women. Methods: The sample for this quasi-experimental study, comprising both an experimental group (n = 36) and a control group (n = 36), consisted of pregnant women at or before 37 weeks of gestation who intended to breastfeed. Breast engorgement and circumference, stress, anxiety, and EQ-5D-3L scores were measured before and after implementation of the intervention (the natural breast self-circulation program). Results: The program significantly reduced breast engorgement (F = 33.97, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.327), breast circumference (F = 105.52, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.601), and anxiety (F = 37.43, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.348) in women during the early postpartum period. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that an early postpartum natural breast self-care program can alleviate breast engorgement and maternal anxiety. They provide a rationale for implementing self-managed breast care. Active implementation of this program may help alleviate physical and emotional difficulties and enhance confidence in breast care among pregnant women.