Pain from breastfeeding? Put cabbage in your chest!

Swelling, pain and discomfort in bosom it's something many women who have recently become mothers know. It may sound a bit strange but a natural treatment that is effective, simple and economical is the cabbage. Cabbage as a cold compress for sore breasts helps reduce swelling and relieve pain. Cabbage contains significant amounts of polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain its soothing properties.

How to use it

1. Put the cabbage in the refrigerator until it cools down. You can use red or green cabbage, just red can leave marks or stain your bra or clothes.

2. When cool, remove outer leaves and discard.

3. Take out two leaves and put the rest of the cabbage in the fridge.

4. Wash the leaves in cold water and make sure they are clean.

5. Cut the stem from the center of each leaf so that it covers your breast except for the nipples.

6. Place them on your chest as if they were cold compresses. You can wear your bra to secure them in place.

7. Leave them on your chest for about 20 minutes or until warm, then take them off.

8. Repeat if you are still sore or swollen.

Cabbage poultices may reduce milk supply, which is helpful if you want to stop breastfeeding. It would be good to do it gradually, but if you have to wean your baby suddenly, then cabbage can help. If you stop suddenly, it may cause chest pain and swelling. Cabbage helps reduce swelling and the amount of milk.

It is best to stop when your breasts start to feel better and the swelling has gone down.

In any case, it would be good to ask your gynecologist for advice before doing anything.