The Reason Why Women Put Cabbage Leaves On Their Breasts Will Surprise You
The way to use this method is simple. First, put the cabbage in the fridge. The Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation recommends using a green cabbage. Once it is cold to touch, remove the first outer layer of the cabbage and discard it. You’ll find the fresh, light green leaves inside. Tear off two large leaves and wash them with cold water to clear off any dirt or residual pesticides inside. Cut off the hard stem at the bottom of the leaves and wrap the leaves in such a way that they perfectly fit your breasts. Avoid covering your nipples with the leaves. If the leaves are too crispy, you could also try crushing them with a rolling pin to loosen them a bit. Keep the leaves in place for around 20 minutes and lie down. You can also use a light cotton bra to hold the leaves in place. However, do not exceed 20 minutes because there have been concerns that cabbage leaves could reduce milk production.
You will notice a considerable amount of relief from your very first use. You can discard the leaves soon after, as they wilt. You can use this treatment for 2 or 3 times during the day and with a new set of leaves each time.
Eventually, you’ll find this method to be greatly effective in relieving pain, reducing swelling, and healing the breast engorgement to large extent. You can stop this treatment as your condition gets better with time. With this method, along with milk expressing and cold packs, many mothers have gone from completely giving up on breastfeeding to resuming it in a matter of few days. You’ll need to, however, remember that you don’t have to keep relying only on this method to better your condition. If you continue to experience breast engorgement, swelling, pain, or a lump in your breast for a longer duration, despite the treatment, it is prudent to consult your doctor immediately.