NURSING INTERVENTION IN BREAST INFLAMMATORY PROCESSES DURING THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD

Abstract

This integrative review examines how nurses manage inflammatory breast conditions in primiparous postpartum women. To retrieve relevant literature, a search was conducted across the SciELO, BVS/LILACS, EMBASE, and PubMed databases, selecting recent studies on the topic. Bardin's content analysis methodology guided the structuring of the data, which was organized into three core thematic axes: the clinical scenario of physical breast complications; the clinical-educational management implemented by nurses; and the broader psychosocial context of early weaning. The findings reveal that acute pain, engorgement, nipple trauma, and mastitis impose a severe physical toll, destabilizing breastfeeding in the initial weeks following childbirth. Nurses are key to navigating these challenges. Their interventions merge traditional clinical support, such as latch and positioning adjustments, with contemporary therapies like low-level laser treatment to promote tissue healing and alleviate pain. Nevertheless, focusing solely on breast rehabilitation is insufficient if the mother's social reality is overlooked. Weak family support systems and a premature return to work erode maternal confidence, acting as major drivers for early formula introduction. Ultimately, active, technical, and empathetic nursing care is vital to resolving physical complications and sustaining exclusive breastfeeding. Thus, this study highlights the urgent need for structured clinical protocols in primary health care tailored to the distinct needs of primiparous women.