A comparison of chilled cabbage leaves and chilled gelpaks in reducing breast engorgement

J Hum Lact. 1995 Mar;11(1):17-20. doi: 10.1177/089033449501100118.

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of chilled green cabbage leaves and chilled gelpaks in reducing breast engorgement in postpartum mothers. Thirty-four lactating women with breast engorgement used chilled cabbage leaves on one breast and chilled gelpaks on the other for up to eight hours. Their pain levels were established pre-treatment and compared post-treatment for both conditions. There was no difference in the post-treatment ratings for the two treatments. Mothers reported a statistically significant drop in pain with both treatments; 68 percent obtained relief within one to two hours. The majority of mothers preferred the cabbage leaves.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brassica*
  • Cryotherapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lactation Disorders / complications
  • Lactation Disorders / therapy*
  • Pain / etiology*
  • Puerperal Disorders / complications
  • Puerperal Disorders / therapy*