Can cabbage decrease milk supply?

Can Cabbage Decrease Milk Supply?
The relationship between cabbage and milk supply is a nuanced topic that has garnered attention among breastfeeding mothers. While cabbage is often used as a remedy for breast engorgement and mastitis, its effects on milk production can be complex.
Cabbage as a Remedy
Cabbage leaves are commonly applied topically to the breasts to alleviate discomfort associated with engorgement. The cooling effect of the leaves can help reduce swelling and pain, making it a popular choice for nursing mothers seeking relief. However, there is a caveat: overuse of cabbage leaves can lead to a decrease in milk supply. This is particularly relevant for mothers who are not in the process of weaning. Experts recommend limiting the application to about 20 minutes, three times a day, to avoid negatively impacting milk production.
The Mechanism Behind Milk Supply Reduction
The exact mechanism by which cabbage might decrease milk supply is not fully understood. However, it is believed that the cooling effect of the cabbage leaves can signal the body to reduce milk production. When the breasts are engorged, the application of cold can temporarily relieve discomfort, but if used excessively, it may inadvertently send a message to the body to produce less milk.
Dietary Considerations
While the topical application of cabbage is the primary concern, some mothers wonder if consuming cabbage could also affect milk supply. Current evidence suggests that eating cabbage does not have a significant impact on milk production. However, certain cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, may alter the taste of breast milk due to their sulfur content, which could potentially affect a baby’s willingness to nurse.
Conclusion
In summary, while cabbage leaves can be an effective remedy for breast engorgement and mastitis, caution is advised. Overuse can lead to a decrease in milk supply, making it essential for breastfeeding mothers to use this treatment judiciously. For those who are not weaning, moderation is key to balancing relief from discomfort with maintaining an adequate milk supply.

Why can’t you eat cabbage while breastfeeding?

Gassy Foods
Common culprits include beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Bloating, burping, and passing gas are normal. But if your baby is gassy or has colic, avoid these foods for a few weeks to see whether they relieve the symptoms.

What dries up breast milk?

Key takeaways: Birth control methods with estrogen, cold medications with pseudoephedrine, and the fertility medication clomiphene can all dry up your breast milk supply. Some people have suggested that diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may affect breast milk supply, too.

What causes breast milk to suddenly decrease?

Milk production may also decrease if you nurse or pump less often than you did before, get sick, are stressed, or get pregnant again. If low milk production seems to be a problem, but your baby seems to be sucking effectively talk with your healthcare provider or certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).

How can my milk supply decrease?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

Do cabbage leaves dry up milk?

Watch your milk supply.
The cabbage leaves can decrease your milk supply. You might need antibiotics. This is especially true if you have a fever or flu-like symptoms. Cabbage leaves can help reduce discomfort from inflammation and engorgement, but they can’t treat a serious infection.

Does eating cabbage reduce breast milk?

Additionally, too much cabbage in your diet can limit milk production.

What foods decrease milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
• Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

How to tell when breast milk is drying up?

If your milk supply is decreasing, you’ll notice:

1. Your baby stops gaining or begins to lose weight. Younger babies will gain between 1.5 and 2 pounds each month.
2. Your baby is showing signs of dehydration.
3. Your baby is fussy or lethargic and struggling to stay awake while breastfeeding.

Does cabbage dry up breast milk?

Avoid placing the cabbage on any areas of broken skin, including cracked nipples. Watch your milk supply. As soon as you feel relief from your engorgement, it’s important to stop using cabbage leaves. The cabbage leaves can decrease your milk supply.