Vol. 1 (2026): DIFFERENCE IN REDUCTION OF BREAST SWELLING BEFORE AND AFTER APPLYING GREEN BETEL LEAF COMPRESSES ONIBUNIFAS IN THE WORKING AREA OF THE TUNAS HARAPAN HEALTH CENTER REJANG LEBONG REGENCY IN 2025

One of the factors hindering exclusive breastfeeding is breast engorgement in postpartum 
mothers. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Rejang Lebong Regency has decreased from 
2023 to 2025. In 2023 the percentage was 23.9%, and it decreased to 22.9% in 2024. This study 
aims to determine the difference in breast engorgement reduction before and after applying 
warm green betel leaf compresses in postpartum mothers. This research used a quantitative 
approach. The population consisted of postpartum mothers experiencing breast engorgement in 
the working area of Tunas Harapan Public Health Center, Rejang Lebong Regency. A total of 
27 postpartum mothers were selected using total sampling. Breast engorgement was measured 
using the Six Point Self-Rate Engorgement Scale (SPES). Data analysis began with a normality 
test using Shapiro–Wilk. Since the data were not normally distributed, the Wilcoxon test was 
used, showing a significant result (p-value = 0.000; p < 0.05). There is a significant difference 
in breast engorgement reduction before and after applying green betel leaf compresses in 
postpartum mothers. Midwives are expected to enhance the quality of health promotion 
provided to postpartum mothers to support smooth breast milk production, including the use of 
green betel leaf compresses.

Published: 2026-02-02