THE EXPERIENCES OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS WITH ENGORGED BREASTS IN SELECTED CLINICS OF VHEMBE DISTRICT, LIMPOPO PROVINCE: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATUR REVIEW

Abstract

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal method of infant feeding due to its nutritional, immunological, developmental, and maternal health benefits. Despite these advantages, many mothers experience breastfeeding-related complications, particularly breast engorgement, nipple pain, and mastitis, which may negatively affect breastfeeding continuation and maternal well-being. The review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach. Electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 2020 and 2024. Following a rigorous screening and eligibility assessment process, twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Data were synthesized using a narrative and thematic analysis approach. The findings revealed that breast engorgement is a significant breastfeeding complication associated with pain, discomfort, ineffective milk removal, and early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. The review identified several interconnected themes, including breast engorgement as a physiological and mechanical condition, nipple pain as a consequence of breastfeeding difficulties, the importance of breastfeeding education, peer support, professional lactation support, maternal psychological experiences, mastitis as a complication of unresolved breastfeeding problems, and the influence of healthcare system factors. Evidence further demonstrated that inadequate breastfeeding support, limited access to skilled healthcare professionals, and insufficient postnatal education contribute to poor breastfeeding outcomes, particularly in rural settings. The review also identified a significant knowledge gap in the existing literature. While numerous studies have investigated breastfeeding complications and support interventions, limited research has explored the lived experiences of mothers with breast engorgement, particularly within rural South African contexts such as Vhembe District. The findings therefore justify the need for the present study, which seeks to explore and describe the experiences of breastfeeding mothers with engorged breasts in selected clinics of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province.