How to use cabbage leaves for breastfeeding?

The Healing Power of Cabbage Leaves for Breastfeeding
Cabbage leaves have long been a natural remedy for breastfeeding mothers facing challenges such as engorgement, mastitis, and the process of weaning. This age-old practice, endorsed by lactation consultants, offers a soothing solution that many mothers have found effective.
Understanding the Benefits
Cabbage leaves are believed to provide relief from breast pain and discomfort associated with engorgement, a condition where the breasts become overly full and swollen. This can occur when milk supply exceeds the baby’s demand, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Additionally, cabbage leaves can help alleviate symptoms of mastitis, an infection that can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the breast tissue.
Research indicates that applying cabbage leaves can reduce pain and hardness in engorged breasts, potentially increasing the duration of breastfeeding. The cooling effect of the leaves, whether used fresh, refrigerated, or even frozen, can provide immediate comfort.
How to Use Cabbage Leaves
Using cabbage leaves is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation: Start by selecting fresh, whole cabbage leaves. It’s important to keep the leaves intact to maximize their effectiveness. Some mothers choose to cut a small hole in the leaves to keep the nipples dry while still covering the breast.
2. Application: Place two or three cabbage leaves on each breast. Ensure they are positioned comfortably and cover the entire area that feels engorged or painful.
3. Duration: Leave the cabbage leaves on for about 20 minutes or until they begin to wilt. This duration allows the leaves to impart their cooling properties effectively.
4. Repetition: After removing the leaves, discard them and use fresh ones for the next application. This process can be repeated several times a day until you start to feel relief from the symptoms.
5. Monitoring: While cabbage leaves can be beneficial, it’s essential to monitor your milk supply. Some mothers have reported concerns that frequent use might decrease milk production. Therefore, it’s advisable to stop using the leaves as soon as you notice improvement in your comfort level.
Considerations and Precautions
While cabbage leaves are generally safe, it’s crucial to be aware of your body’s response. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. Additionally, while many mothers swear by this natural remedy, individual experiences may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.
In conclusion, cabbage leaves can be a valuable ally for breastfeeding mothers dealing with discomfort. Their natural properties provide a simple, effective way to soothe engorgement and mastitis, allowing mothers to focus on what truly matters: nurturing their little ones.

How do you use cabbage leaves to reduce milk supply?

Yes, cabbage can help dry up breast milk. Place two cabbages per breast inside a tight sports bra for two to four hours. The cabbage will absorb the milk and become soggy. Repeat this process until the milk is gone.

Can cabbage leaves unclog the milk duct?

How can a cabbage leaf help with breastfeeding? It can actually decrease excessive and painful engorgement. If you’re not getting enough relief from other milk supply reduction methods, cabbage leaf therapy might give you results.

Can you wear a bra with cabbage leaves for mastitis?

Cover the entire surface of your affected breast with the chopped cabbage or whole leaves. Your nipples can remain uncovered. Keep the cabbage on your skin for about 20 minutes. A loose-fitting bra will help keep the cabbage leaves in place.

How to dry up breast milk without getting mastitis?

Phasing out breastfeeding gently will give you both time to get used to the idea. Stopping gradually will also help prevent problems like overfull, hard (engorged) breasts and mastitis. You’ll probably find it easiest to drop 1 feed at a time.

How long does it take cabbage to get rid of breast milk?

Wear the cabbage leaves day and night until your breasts stay soft. This may take 3 to 5 days. 3. Some women feel additional comfort by using ice packs on their breasts.

What does wrapping your breasts in cabbage leaves do?

The current available evidence suggests that cabbage leaf treatment helps reduce pain in breast engorgement and lengthens breastfeeding duration, although some studies have also reported that cabbage leaf treatment is not effective. Cabbage leaf may be useful in the treatment of breast engorgement.

How long does cabbage take to dry up milk supply?

3 to 5 days
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.

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 do cabbage leaves reduce swelling?

In this paper, we have shown that, as identified by bioinformatics methods, miRNA172a from cabbage leaf juice (known in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent) reduces the expression of the FAN protein in human cells, thus lowering the proinflammatory activity of TNF-α.

How long should I leave cabbage leaves on my breasts?

(Use a lanolin cream if your nipples need some extra TLC.) Hold the cabbage leaves on your breasts or slide a loose-fitting bra over them to keep them from moving around. Once the cabbage leaves begin to feel warm or it’s been 20 minutes, remove them.