Cabbage leaves

[Monkeymonstermum]

So - BF DS3 - day 10, have mastitis - temp 38.9 yesterday despite previous day of desperately massaging/feeding different positions etc so relented and went to GP and now on antibiotics. Improving but not resolved. Having wt issues so having to pump and top up and got engrossed in TV programme on iPad earlier and pumped too long so the other side is now v sore (yes, I am stupid....).
Loads of people have insisted I must try frozen cabbage leaves - just wondering exactly what I'm meant to do with them. My husband bought a savoy (does the variety matter?!) has frozen them and I've put them straight in my bra. Is this right? Feels v weird (initially wondered if I was getting nipple ice burn....)! Better now. About to go to bed. Think I smell. DH was v reassuring and said it was just a bit like a fruit and veg stall smell but not nasty at all - bless!
Thanks!
X

[DramaAlpaca]

Mastitis is horrible, poor you

I found savoy cabbage leaves very soothing, I lined my bra with them but at room temperature, couldn't have coped with frozen! Yes they pong a bit, but it does seem to help.

[Monkeymonstermum]

Thanks Alpaca - BF had been v hard for us all 3 times and feeling a bit sorry for myself. Realised there's an enormous, painful lump above my left nipple (the side that was previously fine) but not red - presumably because I was already on the antibiotics when it developed it's not infective.
How often should I change the leaves?
God I smell weird....

[Junosmum]

Dark leaves contain a chemical which is absorbed through the skin and helps treat mastitis! So yes, variety matters- only dark green leaves work. Change them every few hours- the cold will be a relief. Continue massaging etc too.

Change them every few

[ICJump]

It's the coldness that helps. I'd use cold rather than frozen. But a cold wash cloth would do too. Also try massaging the new lump towards your nipple.