How to use cabbage leaves to relieve the breasts during breastfeeding?

When a mother chooses tobreastfeed her babyit happens that she is embarrassed by a breast engorgement. Breast milk stagnates in the breasts, causing them to swell and make them sore. The causes can be numerous, but this stage in breastfeeding is often difficult for the young mother to live with. In seeking solutions to relieve this inflammation of the breasts, some turn to green cabbage leaves. A grandmother’s natural remedy that would alleviate pain and fight against engorgement. Claude Didierjean-Jouveau, leader of the association La Leche League (LLL) France, specializing in breastfeeding and mothering, explains how to use it to relieve the breasts during breastfeeding.

Why use cabbage leaves when breastfeeding?

To reduce swelling and discomfort, slip cabbage leaves into her bra is a natural remedy, inexpensive, and the smell of which is not likely to bother the baby since raw cabbage does not have a strong smell. “In any case, breast engorgement should not be taken lightly because if left untreated, the ducts can become clogged, causing mastitis and consequently leading to a decrease in milk production.“, explains Claude Didierjean-Jouveau.

What are the benefits of cabbage leaf for young mothers?

Endowed with anti-inflammatory propertiesthe cabbage leaf would make it possible to reduce inflammation caused by engorgement and therefore, reduce pain.

Are cabbage leaves effective against breast engorgement?

The cabbage leaf would be a very effective way to fight against breast engorgement in young nursing mothers. “The cabbage is not intended to stop the rise of milk, but to fight against engorgement”, says the specialist. Moreover, if scientific studies on the subject remain rare to date, the interest of this remedy has however been proven and confirmed by many women.

“Cabbage is not intended to stop the rise of milk, but to fight against engorgement.”

Two cabbage leaves are needed, one per breast, so that they can be completely wrapped around the nursing mother’s chest. Here are the 4 steps to do:

• Wash two large cabbage leaves in cold water.
• Pass them under the rolling pin to soften them.
• Put them in a plastic bag and place them in the freezer. for fifteen to twenty minutes.
• Apply cabbage leaves on your breasts for two to four hours to relieve pain.

Which cabbage leaf to use when breastfeeding?

Regarding the variety of cabbage, it is recommended to use green cabbage, with anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.

Can cabbage leaves be used in case of cracks?

Green cabbage also having healing and soothing properties, it can be used in case of crevices and cracked nipples. Simply place the cabbage leaf previously placed in the freezer directly on the breast for at least one hour.

For young mothers who have chosen to bottle feed, applying cabbage leaves to the chest can also be beneficial for relieve pain associated with the let-downwhile waiting for these to resolve naturally.

“For women who do not wish to breastfeed, it has long been recommended to take a drug, bromocriptine. This is no longer advised, due to rare but serious side effects. We are content today to ‘monitor’ the mother’s breasts, knowing that the surges of milk automatically stop when the breasts are stimulated neither by the sucking of the newborn, nor by the breast pump”nuance the expert.

Thanks to Claude Didierjean-Jouveau, facilitator within the association La Leche League France.