Hi all-

Cabbage is for edema only.  And only on unbroken skin.  Wash the leaves
first. Nobody seems to really know why it works from a scientific
perspective.  NOT for trauma wounds or infections, please. Only swelling
(edema).

And one more time: early nipple cracks, scabs, bleeding are from trauma -
tongue-tie, bad suck, positioning needs adjustment, etc. PLEASE DON'T TREAT
JUST THE SYMPTOMS! (Yes, I'm shouting.) First remove or fix the cause!  A
baby's suck that is bad enough to cause nipple trauma ALSO isn't moving very
much milk. Result: the milk stays in the breast and you have two MORE
problems: a hungry baby and milk stasis which lead to lower supply. Early
sore nipples especially with cracking or bleeding are a breastfeeding
emergency which needs careful evaluation to identify and remedy the cause.
 Once you've removed or fixed the cause, they heal quickly with or without
goop put on them.

Linda Smith, standing on a soapbox is hard with a sprained ankle.
LC and ex-jock in private practice in Dayton OH.