My name is Angie Larson. I am a nursing student at the University of
North Dakota. I have reviewed the archives on cabbage and engorgement. I
have looked at a few journal articles on engorgement and the effects of
cabbage on engorgement. I would appreciate your knowledge on this issue.
Nikodem (1993) has stated confusion arises when no clear discussion is
made between physiological and pathologic engorgement. Physiological
engorgement is defined as breasts that are full, firm, and slightly
tender, but milk flow is still present. Pathologic engorgement is when the
milk is not effectively removed as it is formed, either because the baby's
access to breast is restricted, or because of incorrect positioning and
sucking techniques with painful, swollen, red, hard breasts with no or
minimal flow.
Cabbage leaves have been a popular treatment for engorgement. Roberts
(1998) has suggested that they may contain a chemical that is absorbed
through the mother's skin, which reduces edema and increases the milk
flow. Another possibility is that there is some effect from the cold in
the leaves, since they are applied chilled.
Caplan (1999) noted that plant roots and stems have specialized tissues
and structures, which are responsible for water absorption and conduction.
Nikodem (1993) also notes that common reasons that women give for
discontinuing breastfeeding is painful engorgement, and engorgement can be
prevented by unrestricted feeding and correct positioning and latching.
With this information, it would be interesting to hear any related
research or info on this topic.
Thank You,
Angie Larson
College of Nursing Student
University of North Dakota
REFERENCES:
Nikodem, V., Danziger, D., Gebka, N., Gulmezoglu, M., & Hofmeyr,
J. (1993). Do cabbage leaves prevent breast engorgement?: A randomized,
controlled study. Birth, 20, 61-64.
Roberts, K., Reiter, M., & Schuster, D. (1998). Effects of cabbage leaf
extract on breast engorgement. Journal of Human Lactation, 14, 231-236.
Caplan, L. (1999). Drawing action of cabbage leaves. Journal of Human
Lactation, 15, 7-8.
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