Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding experiences of new parenthood, and also one of the most challenging. Chinese Medicine offers effective support for a range of breastfeeding difficulties.
Where we can help: blocked milk ducts, breast pain and engorgement, and the exhaustion that makes breastfeeding harder to sustain. Some research suggests acupuncture may act on prolactin and oxytocin pathways, but the trials are small, and we would not present milk supply as something acupuncture reliably changes.
One thing we will always be direct about: mastitis with fever, or spreading redness, needs medical review and often antibiotics. We will treat alongside that, not instead of it, and we will tell you to make the call.
Chinese herbal medicine has a long tradition of use in lactation, with formulas described in that tradition as nourishing and tonifying the mother's Blood and Qi. All herbal prescriptions are selected for their safety during breastfeeding.
We also treat the opposite situation, overabundant milk supply and the pain and discomfort this can cause. Our approach is always tailored to your specific presentation and breastfeeding goals, and all herbal prescriptions are selected for their safety during lactation.