Using Cabbage Leaves To Treat Breastfeeding Problems

Many Mamalettes always ask if cabbage leaves help  in treating breastfeeding problems.

And countless times I've seen fellow Mamalette's comments which advise breastfeeding Mamalettes who are having breastfeeding problems and any sort of breastfeeding issues to use cabbage leaves.

Experienced mothers believe that cabbage leaves help reduce milk supply, treat engorgement, or help dry up breast milk when the mother is ready to wean her baby or to suppress the flow.

I'm sure you would have heard of how effective it is in solving breastfeeding problems but how true is this? Does it really work or is it just overrated for nothing? Read on to find out.

Do cabbage leaves really work for engorgement?

It has not been scientifically proven that cabbage leaves help relieve engorgement but mothers have found them to be very helpful, and it is also unknown why cabbage leaves are helpful for this purpose, whether it's because of the special factors in them or just because they are cold. It's most likely because it's cold, that is further proven by another study which found that ice packs (pack ice block inside socks or something) also works well as well as cabbage leaves at engorgement. Although, some mothers found that the cabbage leaves works better than ice packs.

How can I use cabbage leaves to relieve engorgement?

Green cabbage leaves, not the red ones should be used, place it around your engorged breasts after breastfeeding your baby. As soon as the engorgement reduces, cease using the cabbage leaves.

If you want to use cabbage leaves for weaning, suppressing lactation or an oversupply, here is a step by step instruction on how to use it;

• Purchase a fresh cabbage of any size.
• Wash and peel off dirt off the cabbage leaves including the lumpy parts.
• Put it inside the fridge and allow it cool
• Peel off the leaves and place it around your breasts inside your bra, and if it doesn't fit the shape of your breast, crush the leaves.
• Wrap the cabbage leaves around your breast and make sure it fits, leave them on for some minutes(maybe until they wilt)

Cabbage leaves should be used between 2 to 4 times in a day after every feed. But stop using the leaves immediately the engorgement or oversupply reduces, and if you are using it for weaning, cease using the leaves as soon as your breasts stop feeling overfull.

Note however that some women can be allergic to cabbage leaves. If you are allergic or sensitive to cabbage, cabbage leaves should not be used.