What intervention is most helpful for a breastfeeding mother with hard and painful breasts post-delivery?

The most helpful intervention for a breastfeeding mother experiencing hard and painful breasts post-delivery is to apply ice. Ice can reduce inflammation and swelling that may be causing discomfort, and it can also help numb the area, providing relief from pain. This is particularly useful in the early stages of breastfeeding when engorgement is common, as ice application works to constrict the blood vessels and alleviate the pressure associated with swelling.

In contrast, other methods, such as applying heat, may initially provide temporary relief but can exacerbate swelling in cases of engorgement. Administering pain medication can be effective for pain relief but does not address the underlying cause of the engorgement. Encouraging formula feeding is not appropriate as it can interfere with establishing the breastfeeding relationship, and it does not help alleviate the symptoms of engorgement and pain. Thus, using ice as an intervention is the best choice for managing hard and painful breasts in breastfeeding mothers.