In the latest edition of Breastfeeding and Human Lactation it says on page 239 it says that for engorgement, cabbage leaves, cold packs, gel packs, oxytocin, and ultrasound treatments were all ineffective according to a study cited there. So therefore i wonder if these things even help with mastitis.

 Vicky York, IBCLC, CPD
Postpartum Care Services
www.vickyyorkdoula.com


references: www.ikarma.com/user/vmyork



Date:    Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:40:02 -0800
From:    Liane Varnes <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Grated Potato and Mastitis

On a personal note: My family has always used grated potato on bee, wasp, etc. stings. Somebody grabs a potato, uses a serrated knife to scrape up a pasty mass and then they slap it on the sting. Usually stops hurting PDQ! I always understood it draws out the venom as it dries. Usually, a bandaid is slapped on top to hold it there for a few hours. So, I can see this helping in some cases in the circumstances we're talking about here.
 
From Dr. Jack Newman's info sheet on Plugged Ducts and Mastitis:
 
"Potatoes (adapted from Bridget Lynch, RM, Community Midwives of Toronto). Within the first 24 hours of your symptoms beginning, you may find that applying slices of raw potato to the breast will reduce the pain, swelling, and redness of mastitis. 


Cut 6 to 8 washed raw potatoes lengthwise into thin slices. 
Place in a large bowl of water at room temperature and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. 
Apply the wet potato slices to the affected area of the breast and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. 
Remove and discard after 15 to 20 minutes and apply new slices from the bowl. 
Repeat this process two more times so that you have applied potato slices 3 times in an hour. 
Take a break for 20 or 30 minutes and then repeat the procedure."


http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7:blocked-ducts-a-mastitis&catid=5:information&Itemid=17
 
 
The miracle is this--the more we share, the more we have.
--Leonard Nimoy
 
Liane C. Varnes, CLC

Certified Lactation Counselor

Peer Breastfeeding Counselor
Georgia Public Health District 2 - WIC Program
 
May you be be happy; may you be healthy; may you be free from suffering; may you live with ease.




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