Hello

I received your e mail from Dr Jack Newman with your request for help.

Sounds like you have clogged ducts.
I have worked with a few moms whose symptoms are the same as yours. Due to
daily stimulation of showers and just wearing a bra, the breasts can
continue to produce some milk and since it is not being expressed this
causes clogged  milk ducts, I  have had good luck with using cabbage, see
the following from Marie Davis home page, its works great! Good Luck and let
me know how the treatment works should you decide to use it.

Engorgement: The Cabbage Cure
Lactation consultants frequently suggest cabbage leaves to reduce swelling
in moderate to severe engorgement. References to cabbage compresses for
swelling and engorgement date back to the early 1800's. Cabbage compresses
have been used to reduce the swelling in sprains and broken bones. Research
data is sparse but published studies and anecdotal reports seem to support
its value in reducing breast engorgement.

The common green cabbage (Brassica capitata) is used for engorgement
therapy. Cabbage is known to contain sinigrin (allylisothiocyanate) rapine,
mustard oil, magnesium, oxylate and sulphur heterosides. Herbalists believe
that cabbage has both antibiotic and anti irritant properties. It is
theorized that this natural mixture of ingredients helps decrease tissue
congestion by dilating (opening) local capillaries (small blood vessels)
improving the blood flow in the area.
Cabbage compresses should be used with other engorgement treatment routines.

CABBAGE IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INDIVIDUALS ALLERGIC TO SULFA OR CABBAGE.

In addition, cabbage compresses should not be used if the skin is broken
(i.e., cracked, bleeding or blistered nipples etc...). If the skin is
broken, you can place the cabbage around the breast without covering the
irritated skin.

 Instructions for use:


Remove the core and gently peel individual leaves away from the center of
the head pulling outward. Try to avoid tearing the leaves, but it's OK if
they shred a little.
Thoroughly wash the leaves.
Leaves can be chilled in the refrigerator for extra benefits.
Just before use, crush the veins with a rolling pin or similar object or
slice off the tops of the "veins" with a sharp knife.
Drape one or two leaves over each breast (cover ALL the engorged tissue).
Leave on until they become wilted, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Repeat application of cabbage leaves three or four times (about every 6 to 8
hours) per 24 hours until engorgement subsides (usually 1 or 2 days). If the
engorgement is severe, compresses can be used as often as every 4 hours as
needed.
For the mother who is not breastfeeding, cabbage compresses can be used
continuously to help dry up her milk.
Discontinue direct use immediately if skin breaks out, blisters or becomes
irritated.  Place the leaves so they do not touch irritated areas.
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Cindy Curtis,RN,IBCLC
mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://www.erols.com/cindyrn

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