Cabbage Leaves?

Jess & Drew · May 2012

I am a formula feeder, and I was talking to the nurse at my OBs office the other and she suggested putting freezing cold cabbage leaves in your bra to dry up milk. I did a quick Google search and found mixed info. Some say it's a placebo effect and some say it works like a charm. Has anyone ever heard of this?

melrrr · May 2012

I've heard of it, but I was not a FF so I never needed it. Placebo or actual--it can't hurt. I think you're just supposed to change them frequently.

babymaker32 · May 2012

Use a sports bra too - compression helps.

k8edgerton · May 2012

I was told that in my birthing class but not to dry up milk -- They said for sore nipples. It made me giggle.

IsaacA · May 2012

I used it with DS. I was engorged with him and it takes out enough to help soothe them w/out engorgement.

I did not freeze it though. Just one leaf on each size while I soaked in the tub.

Cabbage is suppose to help soothe like aloe vera.

It works.

Juleslynn79 · May 2012

My good friend swore by it. She said it worked quickly!

REOM · May 2012

Take Benedryl, it helps to dry everything up, including milk

daisycook · May 2012

I did it w/ DS and it helped. Felt more soothing than anything. Refrigerate the cabbage first.

bellelamb · May 2012

I ff my first and found ice packs in my bra worked the best, but be warned it is a VERY painful few days until you dry up.

Camille0508 · May 2012

I ff ds1 and I wrapped my boobs as tight as I could with an ace bandage while they dried up and applied ice packs regularly. It's extremely painful but it'll be over after a couple of days. Good luck!

Jess & Drew · May 2012

Thanks ladies. I just didn't want to be some crazy walking around with cabbage leaves in her bra for no good reason. Pregnancy/child birth has really added on to my list of "things I'd never thought I would do".

winter-shock · May 2012

I have heard of using them when a nursing mother has Mastitis. So she would not want her milk dried up. But maybe it has that effect for women who are not still nursing at the same time.