The big reason why new moms use cabbage leaves on their breasts
While breastfeeding is something every new mother counts on, feeding a child can be challenging as well- many women experience discomfort in the form of sore breasts, pain and clogged ducts. Moms need many essentials by their side to make it easier- breast pads, pumps, washcloths and as some women swear by, cool cabbage patches as well!
Is the cabbage leaf remedy fact or fiction?
Many believe that using cabbage leaves can be extremely helpful in reducing the pain associated with sore boobs. Lactating women, who are trying to wean also believe that using cabbage leaves can help reduce milk supply and even deal with breast engorgement. This motherhood 'hack' has also become very famous on social media of late, with many influencers and mom bloggers promoting the use and its benefits. But is there any truth to this? Can using cabbage leaves really help? Or is it just an old wives' tale?
We decode how effective cabbage leaves could be, and a step-by-step guide to using them while you breastfeed:
How do cabbage leaves help with engorgement pain?
Breast engorgement can be a common problem experienced by women who breastfeed actively. In the postpartum period, breasts can also get enlarged while one feeds, since there's increased blood flow to the breasts, and if the breasts do not get drained well,i.e., the milk supply doesn't wane well. This, along with frequent feeds can lead to a lot of discomfort and pain. A similar problem can occur if you are trying to wean your baby off breastfeeding, and the milk ends up not being drained properly. It can further lead to a bacterial infection called mastitis, which can cause a fever.
While it is believed that the process of slow weaning 'trains' the breasts to produce less (and ultimately stop) lactating, using cabbage leaves is a home remedy many women trust by, and a hack which has been doing the rounds for generations. It is believed that the cooling properties of cabbage leaves can help speedfast weaning, stop lactation in time and relieve the problems associated with breast engorgement. While we still have limited studies highlighting the benefits, the anecdotal evidence does support the effectiveness.
Is there any science behind the cabbage leaf remedy?
Apart from the cooling benefits, it is said that cabbage leaves contain some essential amino acids which can help increase the flow of blood to the breasts, act down on inflammation which may be causing the soreness as well as decrease congestion. It is also recommended to be used at times when a woman might want to stop lactating quickly or unexpectedly, since it may reduce the chances of breastmilk getting 'clogged'. If used regularly, it can also help reduce the milk supply and facilitate natural waning. Researchers have also established that the leaves also contain additional benefits which help deal with pain and breastfeeding discomfort.
To be sure, the usage of cabbage leaves is only a home remedy suggested from one mother to another, and not actively recommended by any health bodies. However, since the health properties and cooling effects provide a woman a lot of relief from breastfeeding struggles, it is now proactively recommended to be tried, since it works on the same principle as any warm or cool compress.
How do you use cabbage leaves to wean off naturally?
While breastfeed production can take its due course to fully deplete, cabbage leaves can be definitely tried to reduce sensation of discomfort and engorgement faced particularly in the first few months. It's suggested that a mother first use the cabbage leaves sparingly, and observe how it works. Seeking advice from lactation consultants is also helpful. If you have to oversupply or express milk for other uses and want to use cabbage leaves, be careful not to overdo it.
To try this remedy, all you really require is a cabbage and a towel or a cloth pad. Here's a step-by-step-guide to use them:
1. Start by plucking out the outer leaves from the cabbage. Now, carefully take out two of the leaves from the inner side.
2. Once done, rinse and wash them well so as to avoid the risk of catching germs or any infection.
3. To make the cabbage leaves sit perfectly over your breast (s), squash the vein on the leaf by using a rolling pin or scissors.
4. Next, place the leaves over your breasts, and wait. If you are not thinking of weaning, these leaves can be kept for upto 20 minutes. If your aim is to reduce milk supply, they can be kept on for a longer time, till the leaves start to wither.
Remember, the cabbage leaves can be used either cooled (stick them in the freezer for a while) or used at room temperature, to suit your preference. The remedy can be tried on for 2-3 times a day. However, refrain from keeping the leaves in and sleeping for the night.
(Picture credits: Pinterest)
Who shouldn't use it?
While the remedy can be quite therapeutic, it may not be wise to apply the leaves onto bruised or cracked skin, or if you have bleeding nipples. It would be better to cut pieces of the cabbage leaves and apply them on parts of the breast which aren't injured or bruised.
If you have any history or sensitivity to cabbage, refrain from trying this out. Consult your lactational provider to know about more ways to regulate your supply and get relief.
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