Use of Cabbage to Stop Nursing

I used cabbage to help dry up my milk. I used a rolling pin to roll out the cabbage leaves, one at a time, you want to roll across the veins of the cabbage to release whatever it is that dries up the milk. Lay one leaf across each breast and leave it there until it is wilted, about 15 minutes. It works and feels best when the cabbage is very cold. I think the cabbage worked more as a pain relief than anything, good luck.

My suggestion is not to use the cabbage method. I used it after my second child and I truely believe I got Mastitist (clogged milk duct very very painful) from using the cabbage. If you want to go through with it I think babycenter.com has the dirctions. Or someone on their boards do.

Good Morning! I was a Lactation Consultant in the NICU at NMCSD, we frequently instructed Moms on the use of cabbage leaves. The correct way to use them is to take the large leaves and line your bra with them, changing them every 2 hours or so. The cold will help ease the discomfort of the full breasts. Of course, gradual weaning is best; it's least traumatic for Mom and Baby. If you'd like to contact me directly to discuss a plan, please email me off-list at ____@____.com and I'll get back to you. If not, you can also check out Cradle Corner or your local WIC office. You could also probably google a Le Leche League leader in your area.
Be sure to drink lots of fluids, apply minimal stimulation to your nips, and take tylenol as directed for the discomfort. Hope this was helpful.
Many Blessings-
Becki

Check out www.kellymom.com. It is a breastfeeding advice site. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they have advice to help you dry up too. Basically, from what I understand about the cabbage is that you just put cold cabbage leaves in your bra and then replace them as they lose the chill. I don't know if the cabbage actually does anything or if the cold just helps with the pain. From my perspective, the easiest way to wean is to do it slowly. Start replacing one nursing session with a bottle and when the discomfort from that goes, replace another session. if you do decide to wean cold-turkey, cabbage leaves and ibuprophen my help with the discomfort. If you have a breastpump, you can also just pump enough to not be miserable. After a few days of that, your supply will tank and you should be able to do it less and less and less. I went back to work when my son was 6 weeks old so I nursed and pumped until he was 16 months old (he was slow to get into solids so I pumped longer than I would have otherwise). I then nursed at night until he was around 23 months (a long time, I know). Each time I wanted to reduce my milk supply, it only took a couple of days, less than a week really, to do it. If you do it right, it doesn't hurt so bad. I've also heard that sage (the herb) will reduce your milk supply. And I've heard that many moms start drinking sage tea when they start to wean. It is worth a try. The point is to not suffer any more than necessary (preferably not at all). FWIW, I had a HEALTHY milk supply when I quit pumping. I was pumping more than 10 ounces at a session and I was still able to quickly reduce my supply and quit pumping when I wanted to without being miserable. It really is possible.

I'm sorry - I haven't heard of this one. I'm afraid I can't help you.
Sorry.

I have heard about the cabbage strategy. I believe you place part of it on to your breasts to help reduce the milk supply. I, however, used a different route to stop my supply. I wrapped an Ace Bandage around my chest. Before you put it on, you will want to empty your breasts by pumping or feeding your baby first. The bandage and the fact that my daughter sort of weined herself helped me out a lot.

Hi J.
I used this method and it worked great! all you need to do is cut the head of gabage in half and seperate it. I wore a sports bra and covered each breast with a piece and within a day I dried up.
Good luck

Hi J.,

I have heard of women using cold cabbage compresses to dry up their milk.

I found these through google.
Apply cold cabbage compresses. Placing "compresses" inside each cup of your bra will also help to make you more comfortable. Reapply refrigerated cabbage leaves about every two hours, or as they wilt, until your milk supply slows. This is a good treatment for severe engorgement. Often moms feel relief in as little as two hours (Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession, Ruth Lawrence, MD, 1994). You can continue this treatment as needed. Oh you can roll a rolling pin over the leaves to make them less stiff so they cup you better. I hope this helps.

K.
Las Vegas, NV

also check out:
http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/24.html
http://www.aheartbreakingchoice.com/milk.html