Does cabbage affect breast milk?

The Impact of Cabbage on Breast Milk: A Closer Look
Breastfeeding mothers often find themselves navigating a complex landscape of dietary choices, with many wondering how their food intake might influence their breast milk and, consequently, their infants. Among the various foods that spark concern, cabbage frequently comes up, leading to questions about its effects on both milk supply and quality.
Cabbage and Milk Supply
Cabbage has been traditionally used by nursing mothers for its purported benefits in alleviating breast engorgement and pain. The application of cold cabbage leaves directly to the breasts can provide relief from swelling and discomfort. However, this practice comes with a caveat: while it can effectively reduce engorgement, overuse of cabbage leaves may lead to a decrease in milk supply. Experts recommend limiting the use of cabbage leaves to no more than three times a day for about 20 minutes each time to avoid this potential side effect .
Dietary Concerns: Colic and Quality of Milk
When it comes to consuming cabbage, the concerns are somewhat mixed. Some believe that eating cabbage can lead to digestive issues in infants, such as colic, due to its gas-producing properties. This belief is rooted in the idea that certain foods can affect the composition of breast milk and, in turn, the baby’s comfort. However, research indicates that while some mothers report changes in their infants’ behavior after consuming gassy foods, including cabbage, there is no definitive evidence linking cabbage consumption to significant adverse effects on breast milk quality.
Cultural and Personal Perspectives
Cultural beliefs also play a significant role in how cabbage is perceived in the context of breastfeeding. In some communities, there is a strong recommendation against consuming cabbage postpartum, with claims that it may lead to a reduction in milk production and quality. This perspective often stems from anecdotal experiences rather than robust scientific evidence, highlighting the need for more comprehensive studies on the subject.
Conclusion: Moderation is Key
In summary, while cabbage can be beneficial for managing breast engorgement when applied topically, its consumption should be approached with caution. Nursing mothers may choose to enjoy cabbage in moderation, being mindful of their own and their baby’s reactions. Ultimately, each mother’s experience may vary, and it is advisable for breastfeeding women to consult with healthcare professionals regarding their dietary choices to ensure both their health and that of their infants.

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.)

What should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

What vegetables cause gas in breastfed babies?

Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

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.

Does cabbage affect breast milk supply?

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.

Does cabbage make babies fussy?

Anecdotally, some moms say other foods that commonly cause gas in adults, such as broccoli, cabbage, beans, cauliflower, garlic, or spicy foods, make their breastfed babies gassy or irritable. You may find that your baby’s gas improves when you eliminate a suspect food from your diet.

Why does cabbage stop lactation?

If you’re not getting enough relief from other milk supply reduction methods, cabbage leaf therapy might give you results. This unusual form of therapy is effective because the cabbage leaves absorb some of the fluid from the glands within the breast area, reducing the fullness in the tissue.

What foods make breastmilk gassy?

Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

How long does it take cabbage to dry up breast milk?

Change the leaves about every two hours, sooner if they become wilted or smell like cooked cabbage. Wear the cabbage leaves day and night until your breasts stay soft. This may take 3 to 5 days.

Which vegetables should I avoid during breastfeeding?

What Not to Eat While Breastfeeding

• Coffee and tea. Some of the caffeine in the coffee and tea you drink will end up in your breast milk and may make it harder for your baby to sleep.
• Cabbage, broccoli, and other “gassy” foods.
• Fish.
• Chocolate.
• Garlic.
• Peppermint, sage, and parsley.