Chilled Cabbage Leaves: The Possible Remedy for Breast Engorgement

Abstract

Breast engorgement is defined as congestion and distension with fluid. The lactation literature defines it as a swollen breast, caused by the buildup of breast milk during breastfeeding, and is often referred to as swelling and distension of the breasts and can be a painful condition. This is a common physiological problem for lactating mothers that are caused by the abrupt boost in the volume of the breast milk due to lymphatic and vascular congestion with interstitial edema during the first 2 weeks of breastfeeding. The rationale why engorgement occurs in the first 2 weeks postpartum is that the mother and her baby are adjusting to the process of demand and supply, i.e., if the milk production is inflated too speedily, this might exceed the capability of the breast alveoli to store it. Breast engorgement may occur due to scarce emptying of the breast milk from the mother due to poor transfer of breast milk and incorrect latching or positioning of the baby during the course of suckling. Engorgement of the breasts is associated with severe pain, nipple tenderness, fissures of the nipple, and infection which can all result in subsequent cessation of breastfeeding. Many methods for the treatment of breast engorgement have been explored. Some of the non-medical interventions include cold cabbage compresses cold gel pads, hot compresses, and warm showers, which are used to activate the milk ejection reflex besides the use of medical treatments such as the use of diuretics. Thus, the present review focuses on the use of chilled cabbage leaves for the treatment of breast engorgement.