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Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Cabbage leaves?

That's what the doctor suggested this morning when I called to see if there was something they could give me/I could do to help dry me up. I was hoping for a pill or something but no. No pills just a snug bra and cabbage leaves. Now, I've heard it all! You know me, I googled the cabbage leaf stuff and it's a good thing I did. It says not to do that if you're allergic to cabbage(that makes sense) or sulfa. Well, I'm allergic to sulfa. BLAH! I guess I'll just have to deal with this on top of everything else. Blah again!

I took your advice and got a some more time off from work. I don't go back until December 10. I took off a week and we'll be in KY the following week. Maybe things will straighten out some by then and I'll be able to get myself together.

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We got our first Christmas card today. From our R.E. Blah! I guess I should drop them a little note huh?

When it rains, it pours.

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A string of lights on our tree went out last night and of course while at the store getting a replacement I got in the line behind the crying newborn. And you guessed it. Crying newborn = crying Kim.

I mentioned the rain right?

Geesh!

18 comments:

Michelle said...

Sweetie, when it rains it pours and then it pours and pours and pours unitl it feels like a damn flood... but then just before you think you are gonna drown... the sun does come out and you start to see that tomorrow may not be so bad. Hold on tight to M's hand and try to tread water for awhile. It will get a little easier as time passes as long as you hold on to eachother.

xoxo
Michelle

Merr said...

Well I am glad you got some time off from work, not that will help matters, but at least you can have time to mourne and cry and be mad, and not have to hold it in. Take care of yourself!

Unknown said...

What was the cabbage supposed to do? I'm glad you looked into it!

sorry things are so hard. I'm glad you took more time from work to heal.

Kim aka Mommy said...

Here's some info from Dr Google:

Cabbage leaves really do relieve engorgement, possibly more effectively than icepacks or other treatments. Regular green cabbage such as you’ll find at the grocer contains sinigrin, magnesium, oxylate, mustard oil, rapine and sulphur heterosides. This natural mixture of compounds reduces tissue congestion by dilating the small blood vessels to improve blood flow to the area.

To use, crush the green cabbage leaves with a rolling pin to break the veins and to better accommodate the shape of your breast. You can snip out a hole for your nipple if that is more comfortable for you.

Place the cabbage leaves over your breasts, inside of your bra. Leave it in place until they wilt, usually 2-4 hours. Many mothers report relief about 8 hours after treating with cabbage leaves. You can stop using the cabbage as soon as the engorgement goes down.

IMPORTANT: Cabbage leaves are not recommended if you are allergic to cabbage or sulfa.

my--four--sons said...

When I was going through the same thing I was told by a friend to take some benadryl because it can help dry you out. I tried the benadryl and it also helped. I also did express some of the milk because I was in sooooo much pain I couldn't stand it anymore. Then I wrapped them up good and tight with ace bandages nursing pads and a good bra. It wasn't much longer after that I started to feel alot better. I am so sorry you have to deal with this. This honestly was one of the cruelest parts. My mom told me back in the day they used to give you a pill. But they don't anymore which I think is real cruel. Hope that gives you some ideas.

Anonymous said...

Humm. Cabbage leaves won't work, but if you can contact the La Leche League, they can give you come tips about the breast discomfort and drying up your milk. I know they make soft pads to put in your bra to soak up fluid. They would be better than toilet paper.
-Flame

hotomiky said...

glad you got some time off from work.

thinking of you all...

Teaberry said...

Just an idea, but I have a cold right now, and I've been taking Mucinex... That seems to dry up my nose, throat, mouth, eyes-- everything. Maybe that'd work? I can't say for sure, but I wanted to offer an idea...

Ali said...

We recommend cabbage leaves at the hospital. I don't know why a sulfa allergy would matter. That is interesting. Sulfa allergic people eat cabbage w/out sensitivity. Hmmm. I'll ask the lactation people tommorow if there is anything else.

Glad you have time off. Hugs.

tbean said...

Hope the time off gives all parts of you time to heal. Hugs and love!

Anonymous said...

So happy to hear you're getting some time off. I had never heard of the cabbage leaves. I hope you get some relief soon. We're all thinking of you!

Holly said...

Glad you will be able to take some time. We are sending you our healing thoughts.
Lots of love,
Holly and Lois

Bobby Crow said...

You did mention the rain….
Sun is strong….
It will break through these clouds…
A rainbow with sun and retreating rain…
It happens for all….

Cabbage Leaves? Amazing…..

Anonymous said...

Kim and M...

I just read your entire blog and I am numb. I can't even imagine your grief. I pray that you both will soon begin to feel better and recognize sometimes we may never know why things happen as they do, only that they do.

I feel in the depths of my soul that your story is not over...that you Kim, with M by your side, were chosen for this journey.

I will patienty wait for your return and continue this journey with you both.

Anonymous said...

I think of you every day. You don't know me, but I've been inspired by your blog and I keep thinking of you and M and wishing you well.

Keri said...

I hope you girls are hanging in there.
Thinking of you...

tbean said...

Hi Kim and M--thinking of you both! Just wanted you to know that you are thought of, even though you aren't around online much right now.

Ali said...

We are thinking about you.