How to dry up breast milk naturally with cabbage leaves?

The Natural Way to Dry Up Breast Milk: Cabbage Leaves
For many breastfeeding mothers, the transition away from nursing can be a challenging journey, both physically and emotionally. One popular natural remedy that has stood the test of time is the use of cabbage leaves. This method, rooted in traditional practices, is believed to help alleviate discomfort and reduce milk supply effectively.
How Cabbage Leaves Work
The application of cabbage leaves to the breasts is thought to provide relief from engorgement and assist in drying up breast milk. The cooling effect of the leaves can help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with weaning. According to experts, the practice dates back over a century and has been passed down through generations as a home remedy for lactating mothers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Cabbage Leaves
1. Preparation of Cabbage Leaves: Start by selecting a fresh head of green cabbage. Remove the outer leaves and rinse the inner leaves thoroughly to ensure they are clean. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. Chill the Leaves: Place the cleaned cabbage leaves in a container and refrigerate them for a couple of hours. The cold temperature enhances their soothing properties.
3. Application: Once chilled, take a leaf and place it over each breast. To keep the leaves in place, you can wear a nursing bra or use a loose-fitting top. If you’re concerned about leaking, consider placing a clean breast pad over your nipple on top of the cabbage leaf.
4. Duration and Frequency: You can leave the cabbage leaves on your breasts until they begin to wilt, which may take a couple of hours. It is recommended to change the leaves every two hours or whenever they start to lose their firmness. There is no strict limit on how often you can repeat this treatment throughout the day, allowing for flexibility based on your comfort.
5. Monitoring Your Body: As you use cabbage leaves, pay attention to how your body responds. While many women find relief, it’s essential to listen to your body and adjust the frequency of application as needed.
Benefits and Considerations
Using cabbage leaves is not only a natural remedy but also an accessible one, as cabbage is widely available and inexpensive. Many mothers report that the cooling effect of the leaves provides immediate comfort, helping to ease the physical discomfort associated with weaning.
However, it’s important to note that while cabbage leaves can help with engorgement and drying up milk, they are not a substitute for medical advice. If you experience severe discomfort or complications, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
In conclusion, the use of cabbage leaves is a time-honored method for mothers looking to dry up breast milk naturally. With their soothing properties and ease of use, cabbage leaves can be a helpful ally during the weaning process, providing both comfort and relief.

How quickly do cabbage leaves work?

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. Many moms see some reduction in engorgement within 12 hours of starting it.

What foods help dry up breast milk?

To utilize herbs for lactation suppression:

• Drink sage tea made with 1 to 3 grams of dried sage leaves.
• Appy jasmine flowers to your breasts.
• Take chaste berry orally.
• Eat parsley.
• Use peppermint oil topically only if you’ve completely stopped breastfeeding — it can be toxic to your baby.

How do you use the cabbage trick for breastfeeding?

Cold cabbage leaves can also be helpful. Place one cold cabbage leaf on each breast and change every 2 hours until breast engorgement has passed. Take a pain reliever as needed for discomfort. Consult your health care provider about this.

Does putting cabbage on the breast work?

A 2015 study suggests that applying chilled cabbage leaves to swollen breasts provides a similar amount of pain relief as a hot compress. Here’s exactly how to use cabbage leaves for relief from symptoms of mastitis: Clean, dry, and chill several cabbage leaves for each breast that you want to treat.

What vitamin dries up breast milk?

PIP: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) is contained in most prenatal and multivitamin preparations. Available research states that pyridoxine blocks lactation and inhibits the secretion of breast milk in nursing mothers by suppressing the normally elevated prolactin hormone levels encountered during puerperium.

How long do you wear cabbage leaves 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.

How can I stop my breast milk naturally?

Stopping your breast milk naturally

1. For the first 1 to 2 days express each breast every 4 hours, but only for 5 minutes.
2. For the next few days express every 5 hours, but only for 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Then just express a few times a day to keep your breasts from feeling full.

How do I dry up breast milk asap?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

1. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
2. Put cold packs on your breasts.
3. Use cold cabbage leaves (wash fresh cabbage and refrigerate; pull off one leaf at a time and lay them over your breasts; keep the leaves on your skin until they get soft).

What is the fastest way to dry up breast milk?

Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma. Take Benadryl as directed on the package.

How can I dry up my milk supply ASAP?

One of the main things a person can do to dry up breast milk is avoid nursing or pumping. The supply of breast milk increases with demand. Avoiding nursing or pumping, even if a person feels uncomfortable, tells the body to produce less milk.