Joann and Leslie,
 
  I have enjoyed both of your posts.  Cabbage leaves and Salmonella?? --
Give me a break.  Sounds like severely liability conscience nurses.
However, I am concerned about the reuse of cabbage leaves.  Most of the
time, they are wilted once mom has used them for 15 minutes.  The active
ingredient in cabbage is an amino acid--tyrosine.  Would a re-used leaf be
as effective as new leaves?  If you are dealing with a low amount of cabbage
supply in the military--that would be a different story.  However, I am all
for recycling.  Is there anyone else out there that reuses the leaves?

Debbie Albert, Ph.D., RN, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant
NCH Healthcare
Naples, FL

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Date:    Sat, 9 Jan 2010 20:35:49 -0500
From:    Joann Charnock <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: cabbage leaves for engorgement relief

NO WAY, HOSEH',!!, I mean, Leslie!  You are right on, with the cabbage
leaves, unless I need to change that, too??!  I tell moms to get a green
head of cabbage, tear the leaves off, rinse them well with cold water, stick
them on a plate with a paper towel over the top, and when they are nice and
cold, (and clean), put them on the engorged breast, for 10-15 minutes, a few
times per day, re-rinsing them,  and putting them back on the plate in the
fridge, with the paper towel over the top, to reuse, as needed.  Recycle,
you know?  Till she don't need them any more.  If the baby is nursing well,
and emptying the first breast well, before switching sides, the engorgement
will subside within a few days, breasts will go back to feeling 'normal',
but this does not mean that milk has gone away.  Means milk supply is
regulating to baby's needs, and keep in touch!!  Joann C, now proudly
serving our providers for FREEDOM (our US MILITARY, active duty and their
spouses!), thank you VERY MUCH!!  Joann C.

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Date:    Fri, 8 Jan 2010 18:53:54 -0500
From:    Leslie Cree <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: cabbage leaves for engorgement relief

This has me stumped. I had a call from a very distressed mom the other day.
Her engorgement was going on day 5 with no relief. I gave her some advice,
including using the tried & true cabbage leaf compress. She replied that she
was told by the nurses in the hospital that cabbage leaves are no longer
recommended because of the risk of salmonella. After I recovered my
composure, I told her that I had not heard of that particular warning and
would have to look into it. I told her that in the meantime,  if she washed
the leaves thoroughly and didn't put them on her areola/nipple she'd be
okay. I'm happy to report that the RPS technique and cabbage did the trick.
She is happy and comfortable! I am taking it to you, the experts. Have I
been under a rock? (sorry for the sarcasm here). If I have missed something
important, please be gentle with me... Leslie Cree IBCLC Mechanicsburg, PA
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