The Comprehensive Guide to a Holistic Approach to Breastfeeding: Part 2
In my most recent blog post, I shared my personal breastfeeding journey and how Traditional Chinese Medicine helps with low milk supply, stress, and mastitis, how food is medicine, and the benefits of acupressure.
There are so many holistic tools for breastfeeding that I couldn’t fit it all into one blog post, so I am excited to offer more information and continue the conversation!
Along with my regular acupuncture and herbs, what else did I do to make sure that I was producing enough milk and that this amazing experience would be as positive as possible?
Let’s get into it!
In my arsenal kit I looked to: 
- Acupuncture
- Essential Oils
- Breast Oil
- Supplements and Tea
- Lactation Cookies and Milkshakes
- Breast Friend
- Nipple Balm
- Water
1. Acupuncture
While this time can be incredible for bonding, it can also be stressful and painful. How can Chinese medicine help?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, breast milk comes from “qi”, or the life force, AND blood. So we need adequate blood and qi to produce enough milk. This can be difficult after childbirth and even more so if you are weak. So, stress, food, and water can play a huge role in making enough breast milk to feed your baby as much as they need. Certain foods and herbs can produce more qi and blood. Getting regular acupuncture can help so many issues. Not just physical, but mental woes as well. Are you stressed? Are you sleeping? Are you having trouble connecting to your little one? Are you mentally drained? Acupuncture and herbs can help all of the above.
2. Essential Oils
The best essential oils for helping with breastfeeding are fennel and basil. Plus, you will want something to help keep you calm and stress free. For relaxing, I recommend lavender, stress away, or peace and calming oils. You can use just 1, or a combo of 2-3 oils together. Listen to your body! If you pump and see not enough is coming out then use 1 drop of fennel or basil from the top of your shoulder to all the way around your breasts. You can dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil and do a mini massage by yourself or have your partner do it for you. If you have been stressed or depressed, make sure to use an oil that can calm you. You can apply 1 drop on the bottom of each foot. If your baby seems to not be getting enough milk or you waited too long, then use a combo on the shoulders, around the breasts, and bottoms of the feet. NEVER put an essential oil on your nipple and try first with a carrier oil to dilute it. My favorite brands to use are doTerra or Young Living. NEVER buy essential oils from a grocery store. You want good quality, therapeutic grade essential oils for the best and fastest results. Have questions? Contact us!
3. Breast Oil
One of my most famous products that I sell and talk about is Irish Moss & Violet Breast Oil. This product is made from a variety of oils and plants. This marvelous oil is massaged onto the breasts and supports healthy breast tissue as well as lymphatic flow. So, it’s good for someone with inflammation, hard tissue, and growths such as cysts. Using this oil can help improve breastfeeding as well as be preventative should you start to get a blockage. Plus, it will help your breasts feel lighter which can take the weight off your shoulders and reduce discomfort. Only needs to be applied once a day, but can be used more if needed. It feels wonderful going on and can also be used when you have breast tenderness or pain due to your menstrual cycle. It can also be a good aphrodisiac – ask your partner to put it on! Available in our office, if you would like it shipped to you, just let us know!
4. Supplements/Tea
Fenugreek and Mothers Milk were my go to when I was breastfeeding. I used them as my body needed. For instance, if I had been away for a long time and forgotten one of my supplies for pumping, I would definitely drink the tea. The Mothers Milk tea I used was my favorite tea brand which is called Traditional Medicinal; it is in a white box and is usually found in the health aisle or with all of the other teas.
One supplement I used was Brewers yeast. It tastes horrible on its own and is quite bitter. Read below on how I added it to my cookies and milkshakes.
5. Lactation Cookies and Milkshakes
I found several Pinterest recipes and played with them by basically adding brewers yeast to what I made. I tasted as I made them to make sure the bitterness wasn’t overpowering. During my first pregnancy, one of my biggest cravings was peanut butter so understandably both my cookies and milkshakes had peanut butter in them!
I made delicious cookies from the recipe on the back of the rolled oats bag and just added a tablespoon or two of brewers yeast. Every time I made a milkshake I added brewers yeast and just tasted it as I added ingredients.
6. Breast Friend Products
My Breast Friend (NOT an affiliate link, I just love it!) is a nursing pillow that made it easy and comfortable to hold my son when on the couch, bed, desk or dining room table. Sometimes I worked while I breastfed. I needed the height and support of the Breast Friend for my neck and shoulders. I have always had neck and shoulder pain and during breastfeeding it was at an all time high. That is why I used a lot of essential oils on my neck and shoulders too.
7. Nipple Balm
Nipple balm (also NOT an affiliate link) is really important too so you don’t have cracked, chapped or dry nipples. I used it as soon as I was done breastfeeding. I had it inside the Breast Friend pocket and always kept it in my diaper bag. I prefer one with NO lanolin. I like calendula as it is very healing and moisturizing. Lanolin is like using vaseline which I don’t use because not only is it toxic for you and baby, but it’s also not healing; it’s just a mask. My favorite brand was Earth Mama.
8. Water
Water intake is absolutely necessary and I have NEVER been so thirsty in my life. I had water everywhere and was constantly drinking. If I slacked I could immediately tell when I pumped. So I would hydrate during pumping to produce more milk. Keep insulated/covered cups by your bed, glider, and living area so you don’t constantly have to get up and get more. Getting me water was one of my husband’s jobs 🙂
I hope my tips help and give you more insight as to how I made it all work. Feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns. Also, listen to your body! It will tell you what is lacking and what it needs.
Acupuncture is a safe, effective, natural and holistic way to treat breastfeeding issues. Eastern medicine looks at the whole person – body, mind and soul and not just a set of symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine gets to the root of the problem by healing the imbalances in the body thus creating a harmony. With this internal harmony the body is then able to heal itself and once again work through today’s stressful lifestyle.
At Natural Point Acupuncture and Wellness Clinic we specialize in helping nursing mothers with lactation issues. Our 100% natural process of relieving pain, reducing inflammation and improving lactation has given thousands of patients relief by finally having regular milk flow without stress and panic.
Are you suffering from breastfeeding issues? Make an appointment here.
