Babara in relation to your queries regarding what was said in the workshop about the use of cabbage for engorgement, <<> They also said cabbage is not recommended because it has not been > researched > and no studies show that this works and may even be dangerous due to > pesticides on it, including e coli which can be fatal to infants. Again, > what > do ya'll say about these topics. > >> There has been a recenet Cochrane Database Sysem review (2001)--"Treatments for breast Engorgement during Lactation" They looked at clinical trials updated by the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group as well as searching Cinahl and Medline looking for all randomised and 'quasi-randomised' controlled trials with or without blinding. I quote from the MAIN RESULTS "8 trials involving 424 women, were included. Three different studies were identified which cabbage leaves or cabbage leaf extracts: no overall benefit was found. Ultrasound treatment and placebo were equally effective........." REVIEWERS CONCLUSIONS" cabbage leaves and gel packs were equally effective in the treatment of engorgement. Since both cabbage extract and placebo were equally effective, the alleviation in symptoms may be brought about by other factors, such as massage......" One of the studies they reviewed in the meta-analysis was "Effects of cabbage leaf extract on breast engorgement" Journal of Human Lactation 1998 Sept 14. where 21 subjects used a cream containing a cabbage leaf extract and 18 subjects used a placebo cream. "The two groups showing no difference on all outcome measures". The reviewers concluded that that feeding had the greatest relief on discomfort and decreasing tissue hardness. Prevention by frequent feeding seems to be the key priority and breast feeding also appears to be the best treatment. However a Medline search did not bring any results about an increased risk of E-coli infection with cabbage leaves. If washed thoroughly prior to use this should negate any risk. Thorough washing should also wash off pesticides. Marian Rigney RN _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html