Drying up Breastmilk

[Justhere]

I was wondering what other hospitals do to dry their patients breastmilk up when they decide not to breastfeed. I am doing a paper for school on the different ways to dry up breastmilk.

Thanks

[SmilingBluEyes]

we do nothing but tell them to try cool packs and well-fitting sports bras...and let time take care of it.

[JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP]

Anyone know what is in the cabbage leaves that makes that effect? I've also used them for engorgement and it was very effective.

[oops, posted before finishing the thread]

[SmilingBluEyes]

sorry duplicate...post follows:

[SmilingBluEyes]

From Midwifeinfo.com

Local engorgement for specific areas (for example those horrible armpit lumps without other areas of engorgement)

Milk engorgement

Venous engorgement

Suppression of lactation for any reason

How to use Cabbage Leaves

Sources state that green, ordinary (not Japanese, etc.) cabbage is preferable.

Do not use cabbage leaves if you have an allergy or sensitivity to cabbage (or broccoli, cauliflower or brussell sprouts for that matter). If a rash appears, immediately discontinue using cabbage leaves and call your health care provider.

Be warned - there might be a strong odor of cooked cabbage leaves!

Wash the leaves thoroughly.

The veins can be crushed or removed to allow them to be more form fitting to the breast.

They can be chilled in the refrigerator as some feel they are more soothing cold,but it is not necessary.

Place in a bra, wrapped around the breast with the nipple exposed.

Leave on for 2 hours or until wilted and change to fresh leaves if you need to.

Check to see how your breasts are responding with each change and stop using the leaves once engorgement is reduced-prolonged use after engorgement has subsided carries the risk of suppressing your milk production.

References

rest of article here:

http://midwifeinfo.com/topic-cabbage.php

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

Cabbage leaf therapy is something that I have recommended on occasion..that and a tight bra and frozen peas (those bags just form fit so nicely). An extra added unrelated tidbit......shredded carrots for sore nipples. Works like a charm. Add a teaspoon to each bra around the nipple and soreness is gone. Soon we can just use salad bar for all of our ailments!!!

[palesarah]

Thanks everyone,

Our hospital has them wear a support bra, but if their milk comes in and they are engorged they then wrap them with an ace bandage which is painful. I have tried to get them to let us pump them dry first then wrap them, this is what I did when I stopped breastfeeding at 12 months and it worked, after 24 hours I had no milk. But they won't let us.

.

I'm glad that worked for you, but it's not a good idea for women trying to prevent their milk from coming in. "Pumping them dry"- even once- sends a signal to the body to make more milk, and fast! Breastmilk is produced on a "demand and supply" basis- the more the demand, the greater the supply. Environmental stimulation such as loose fitting clothes, or especially warm water beating down on their chests, also creates some demand... which is why wearing a good-fitting supportive bra around the clock and encouraging non-nursing moms to shower with their backs to the water, is good advice in preventing engorgement (along with ice packs and tylenol for comfort, and those ownderful cabbage leaves!) Of course sometimes non-nursing moms still become engorged. Manually expressing some milk or pumping ONLY to the point of comfort is sometimes recommended. But this is just what I've experienced in my few years in the field.

Cabbage leaves do work really well though, don't they?

[Mimi2RN, ASN, RN]

Cabbage leaf therapy is something that I have recommended on occasion..that and a tight bra and frozen peas (those bags just form fit so nicely). An extra added unrelated tidbit......shredded carrots for sore nipples. Works like a charm. Add a teaspoon to each bra around the nipple and soreness is gone. Soon we can just use salad bar for all of our ailments!!!

Call down to dietary... I need some cabbage leaves and shredded carrots!!!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[midwife2b]

Sage tea is in my "herbal remedies" book.

Sage is better at prevention than it is treatment (i.e. women who choose to bottle feed at the outset vs. those who breast feed for a few days and then stop).

We suggest cabbage leaves... very cold, the outer leaves.

Frozen veggies work well (yeah the peas are the best!)

When I was a new nurse we gave several meds;

Deladumone OB 2 cc IM after baby out but before placenta;

Tace 72 mg. po bid x 3 days

Parlodel in the mid and late '80's

My first nursing job we gave DES bid until discharge (can you believe it?)

I am showing my age :)

[bsndeedee]

When I had my first child my OB-GYN put me back on my regular birth control pills which caused my milk to decrease gradually despite breastfeeding and pumping. Anti-histamines also effect milk production although no one prescribes these as treatment. The side effects are there.

The mini-pill that I was put on after my second child had no effect on my milk production. I don't know if this is helpful for your paper but it does make a person think about drug side effects.

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

Won't wapping/binding/tight bra's cause plugged milk ducts? (And then engorgement whether BFing or NOT since the milk can't get out of one or several ducts)

[rn/writer, RN]

Cabbage leaf therapy is something that I have recommended on occasion..that and a tight bra and frozen peas (those bags just form fit so nicely). An extra added unrelated tidbit......shredded carrots for sore nipples. Works like a charm. Add a teaspoon to each bra around the nipple and soreness is gone. Soon we can just use salad bar for all of our ailments!!!

Now add cucumber slices for tired eyes and dab some oil and vinegar behind each ear. Maybe the baby will grow up craving salads.

Are cabbage leaves considered over the (grocery) counter meds?

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

I know that some birth controls and anti-depressants work, but I don't think they would prescribe either to 'dry up' milk...how about just not breast feed?