Final answer:
Decreasing breast engorgement for clients who are not breastfeeding involves wearing supportive bras, using cold packs, avoiding breast stimulation, and managing fluid and salt intake. Hormonal changes post-breastfeeding require time for the body to adjust and halt milk production.
Step-by-step explanation:
For clients who are not breastfeeding but wish to decrease breast engorgement, the recommended options do not include regular milk expression or the application of warm compresses. Instead, treatments focus on reducing swelling and preventing further stimulation of milk production. Strategies such as wearing a firm, supportive bra (but not overly tight to avoid constriction), using cold packs or cabbage leaves to reduce swelling and inflammation, avoiding stimulating the breasts through expression or warmth which could increase milk production, and monitoring fluid and salt intake to prevent excess fluid retention are relevant. Additionally, certain medications may be prescribed by healthcare providers to help suppress lactation. The physiological reason for engorgement post-breastfeeding cessation is due to the body's adjustment in milk production based on supply and demand principles, a process that can take time to normalize.