Breast engorgement can be a very painful and uncomfortable experience for breastfeeding mothers. It usually occurs due to the breasts becoming full of milk. One of the most popular natural remedies would include the use of cabbage leaves. They are also soothing, and help reduce swelling. In this section, we discuss the use of cabbage leaves for engorgement, best application practices, and precautions.
How Does Cabbage Help Engorged Breasts
Cabbage leaf therapy can assist you in reducing the discomfort and pain associated with engorgement of the breasts. If other methods for regulating milk supply are not alleviating the discomfort enough, then this natural treatment may be helpful to you. The reason that cabbage leaves on engorged breasts is effective is because the leaves can absorb some of the excess fluid that is in the tissue of the breast, helping to make the fullness and pressure subside. Most mothers have reported that their breasts do not feel as tight and swollen within about 12 hours of beginning the therapy.
How to Use Cabbage for Breast Engorgement
Preparations for Cabbage Engorgement Relief
Using cabbage leaves can be a simple, effective, and natural remedy to reduce swelling and discomfort in the breasts. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare:
- Choose Fresh Green Cabbage
- Type of Cabbage: Go to the market and get a green cabbage, also known as white cabbage. Green cabbage is most commonly used for the relief of engorgement because its larger leaves may cover more area comfortably.
- Freshness: Use a fresh, crisp cabbage with green leaves - the fresher, the better, since the leaves that are freshly cooled in some water have a greater potential to cool and draw liquid from the skin.
- Cool Water Rinse (Optional)
- Why rinse? Using fresh leaves with a cool water rinse only makes the leaves feel much cooler than if you applied them immediately from the unwashed head of cabbage as well as seems to facilitate both the pain and the swelling to some degree.
Bonus tip: If desired, simply rinse only what you intend to use fresh and place the rest in the fridge for later.
- Refrigeration (Optional)
- Boosted Cooling Action: Place the cabbage in the refrigerator for at least an hour prior to use. The cooled leaves can be used to provide a mild cooling effect that may be an added benefit to sore, swollen breasts.
- Do Not Freeze: Do not freeze the cabbage as frozen leaves become too stiff and may be uncomfortable on sensitive skin.
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Peel Off Outer Leaves: Start with the removal of the cabbage's outer leaf. For the outer leaves will most likely be thicker, and as you will see, grubby, and toughened; so for this recipe, pick inner leaves that are brighter and fresh.
- Cleaning the Leaves
- Rinse the two cabbage leaves under cold running water. This is for removing any dirt, pesticide, or residue. Make sure you clean the leaves well.
- Dry the Leaves
- Pat the leaves dry gently using a clean towel. Ensure that there is no extra water remaining on the leaves.
- Trim the Stem
- Carefully cut to the thickness of the leaf stem without cutting it through. You make small nicks at the center on each side so that this will easily mold over the breast areas, leaving your nipple naked.
How to Use Cabbage for Engorgement
Cabbage leaves are a natural remedy that is used for sore, full breasts, especially when the baby is weaning or breastfeeding. Here’s how to use cabbage for engorgement:
Step 1: Putting It Over the Breast
Place one side of the leaf over the other part of your chest so that it covers a part of the skin that leaves your nipples naked while doing this. You, therefore, will not become wet in this area.
Step 2: Securing the Position
You should leave the leaves on, like applying a cold pack, or you can wear a nursing bra to hold them in place. To reduce leakage, put a fresh, clean, dry breast pad over the leaf that covers your nipple.
Step 3: Wear the Leaves On
You will wear the cabbage leaves for up to 20 minutes, and once they become warm, remove the wilted ones.
How Often Use Cabbage Leaves for Engorgement
You can use cabbage leaves on your bra 2 or 3 times a day. Put them there so that they warm up once they are in there and then you can take off the leaves and put more on if you like them. It is, however, very important to take those leaves off when you have started to feel some type of relief because otherwise, repeated or prolonged use will prevent milk supply from rising; this is because your ducts remain engorged.
Precautions for Using Cabbage Leaves for Engorged Breasts
It is very popular as a natural remedy to reduce swollen or engorged breasts; in some places, however, people use it to the point that unwanted side effects occur. Here is what you should know:
- Overuse is likely to cause an accident by causing a decrease in milk production. Use the cabbage only until you achieve some relief.
- Make sure to remove the leaves from your areola because it may tend to cause irritation.
- If the skin of your breast feels sensitive, watch for possible redness or irritation in case cabbage causes a rare reaction on your skin from time to time.
Tips for postpartum breast care to prevent engorgement
Do take proper care of your breasts and you will be fine. Here are some easy yet effective tips:
- Breastfeeding/express milk often
Feed your baby or express milk frequently to enable milk flow and prevent it from piling up. Use Momcozy M9, an electric breast pump such as the Momcozy M9 can help relieve engorgement by draining excess milk from your breasts.
- Massage of the Breast
Breast massage may also stimulate the flow of milk when you use a warming and vibrating lactation breast massager like Momcozy. Such massage can also assist your baby to latch into a softened breast when it breaks down clumped tissue inside.
- Nipple Shields
Nipple shields, like Momcozy Silver Nursing Cups, act as a protective barrier around sensitive nipples between feedings for relief and protection from rubbing and friction.
- Warm Compresses and Showers
A warm shower or compress before nursing may help the milk flow, and it softens breasts, making it easier for your baby to latch.
- Cold Compress After Feeding
Applying a cold compress or chilled cabbage leaves briefly after feeding can reduce swelling and provide soothing relief.
FAQs about Cabbage Leaves and Breast Engorgement
- How long do cabbage leaves take to dry up milk?
The leaves of cabbage reduce milk supply and engorgement. It usually takes a few days to a week of consistent use before noticing a decrease in milk supply. Apply fresh cabbage leaves for 20-30 minutes several times a day until you feel the effect.
- Does cabbage affect breast milk?
Cabbage leaves are used traditionally to lower the production of breast milk. Although a few studies suggest that compounds in cabbage act as mild stimulants in milk supply, the results can vary for every individual. It is always best to consult your healthcare provider if you're breastfeeding and don't want to have your milk supply reduced to use it to achieve the goal of reduced milk production.
- Can cabbage leaves help with swelling?
Yes, cabbage leaves can be applied to help with swelling and discomfort associated with breast engorgement. The cooling effect of the leaves reduces inflammation and helps in pain relief. Many women find that placing chilled cabbage leaves on their breasts can help alleviate discomfort and swelling effectively.
Conclusion
To sum up, use cabbage leaves to manage breast engorgement. They have natural cooling properties that soothe soreness and reduce swelling to make nursing more comfortable. Again, keep in mind using it mindfully to avoid having an unwanted impact on milk supply. Use the benefits of the cabbage leaves to your best advantage by being proactive, taking care of yourself as you prepare for and even during this phase of feeding. People are unique so pay attention to what resonates best with you during this period.
