<![CDATA[Breast engorgement is a common early‑postpartum condition caused by excessive milk accumulation that exceeds the breast’s storage and drainage capacity. The resulting swelling and pain may obstruct milk ducts and increase the risk of mastitis. Red onion (Allium ascalonicum), containing allicin and quercetin, has been traditionally used for its antimicrobial and anti‑inflammatory properties, yet its effectiveness in topical form during early lactation remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of breast care and oxytocin massage using red onion oil in reducing breast engorgement during postpartum days 1 and 2. A one‑group repeated‑measurement experimental design was conducted among 30 postpartum mothers recruited through purposive sampling. The intervention consisted of breast care and oxytocin massage using 1% red onion oil diluted in virgin coconut oil, applied once daily for 15 minutes on postpartum days 1 and 2. Breast engorgement was assessed using the Breast Engorgement Scale before intervention and monitored for ten days. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi‑Square tests (α = 0.05). In results, on day 1, 43.8% of mothers experienced breast engorgement, increasing to 64.3% on day 2. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between the intervention and reduction in breast engorgement (p = 0.261). The findings align with the physiological peak of lactogenesis II, during which milk production increases sharply and short‑duration topical therapy is insufficient to alter engorgement. In conclusion, breast care and oxytocin massage using red onion oil did not significantly reduce breast engorgement during the first two postpartum days. The intervention cannot be recommended as a standalone preventive measure for early engorgement; evidence‑based lactation management remains essential.Keywords: breast engorgement; red onion oil; oxytocin massage; postpartum; lactation]]>
