Dear Marie,

        It sounds as though your protocol for drying up is good (cabbage
compresses, sage tea).  The only things that I would add are a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and ice packs.

        The few moms that I have helped after fetal demise successfully used
ibuprofin along with cabbage compresses and ice.

        Easy ice pack:  newborn sized diapers, filled with water, shaped
and put into the freezer.  They don't leak, and hold in the cold for a
long time.  Line with a tea towel before putting to breast.

        Hope this helps,


Margie Forrest, in soggy WPB, FL