Author: Kerry Goodwin

One of the most common questions I get as an acupuncturist who focuses on fertility, pregnancy and postpartum care is, “how often should I receive treatment when I am trying to conceive?”. If this is a question you have also found yourself asking, I would love to provide some information and clarity so you feel equipped to make the best choices for your own fertility journey.

There are some general guidelines surrounding acupuncture for fertility, but much of the information I am sharing with you is specific based on how you are trying to conceive- naturally, with medicated or unmedicated IUI, or IVF. Each path is beautiful and sacred, and comes with many opportunities for the support of Chinese Medicine.

If possible, it is optimal to allow for a minimum of 3-6 months of weekly acupuncture visits when you are trying to conceive using any method. For some specific conditions, having 3 months of weekly acupuncture visits prior to starting to try to conceive may be necessary. As a fertility-focused acupuncturist, I work with the phases of your cycle or alongside your IVF schedule to help support hormonal balance, ovulatory function, boost egg quality, reduce medication side effects, support implantation, and the delicate phase of early pregnancy. With 3-6 months of consistent acupuncture, herbs when appropriate, and dietary support, Chinese Medicine can provide much needed support in all of the above areas.

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Now, let’s get into the specifics of each conception path and the recommended treatment frequency for each one.

Natural Conception
For someone seeking acupuncture for help with natural conception, it is recommended that they come in for weekly visits during their cycle.

• Menstruation Phase: acupuncture supports the complete discharge of blood by moving the blood, moving qi, nourishing the blood, and detoxifying the body.
• Follicular Phase: acupuncture supports egg quality and follicular development by calming the mind, supporting hormonal balance and signaling, nourishing yin, qi and blood. The Follicular phase is a particularly important time to prioritize acupuncture for natural conception.
• Ovulation Phase: acupuncture assists in healthy ovulatory function and supports the HPO axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis) by moving qi and blood, allowing for the transition from yin to yang, and by calming the mind. This is also a particularly important time to prioritize acupuncture.
• Luteal Phase: acupuncture supports implantation by calming the mind, lifting qi, and boosting kidney yang.

Unmedicated and Medicated IUI
For someone seeking acupuncture for help with medicated IUI, it is recommended that they come for weekly visits for 3-6 months leading up to the medicated cycle. It is recommended to come in twice per week in the month your IUI is scheduled.

• Week 1: bleed, acupuncture 1 time
• Week 2: folliculogenesis, acupuncture twice
• Week 3: trigger and ovulation, acupuncture twice the week of your trigger, once early in the week and once within 24 hours of your IUI procedure
• Week 4: resume acupuncture after your pregnancy test or 4-5 days following ovulation

IVF Retrieval Cycle
For someone seeking acupuncture for help during their IVF retrieval cycle, it is recommended that they come for weekly visits for 3-6 months leading up to their retrieval cycle. It is optimal to start coming twice a week starting 4-6 weeks before the anticipated retrieval date.

• During your cycle before retrieval: after ovulation you will begin suppression via birth control or estrogen. Acupuncture supports your body during this time by mitigating the
  side effects of that suppression. After ovulation, it is helpful to come in twice per week
  for the next 4 weeks.
• After you begin to bleed: you will connect with your RE about medication and timing, they will monitor your labs and follicle development via ultrasound. Estrogen levels will continue to be checked to make sure they are rising, and once they stop rising it will be time to stop the stim meds and trigger.
• Trigger shot and retrieval: the trigger shot will be provided 35-36 hours before your scheduled retrieval. It is ideal to have acupuncture 24 hours prior to the retrieval if possible.

IVF Transfer Cycle
For someone seeking acupuncture for help during their IVF transfer cycle, it is recommended that they come for weekly visits for 3-6 months prior to your transfer (depending on if it is a fresh or frozen transfer). This includes donor and non-donor cycles.

• 3-6 months before transfer: acupuncture helps to support your body after retrieval through gentle detoxification of the medication required during retrieval. It also prepares your body for implantation by supporting hormonal balance, regulating the nervous system, and repletion of nutrients. Consider this as a period of restoration or “zero trimester”.
• 1 month out from frozen embryo transfer: twice weekly visits are ideal to support hormonal balance, a healthy and fluffy endometrial lining, and to mitigate medication side effects.
• 24 hrs prior to transfer: it is recommended to have an acupuncture session in the 24 hour window before your scheduled transfer.
• After transfer: acupuncture visits can resume 4-5 days after your transfer, or once you have taken your pregnancy test or first beta.

No matter which path to conception you find yourself on, acupuncture provides the support your body needs and deserves by regulating hormones, calming the mind, moving qi and blood, and nurturing the body as it prepares to nurture another. It is easy to become overwhelmed by all the information there is about conception, the many paths, and the specific timing of things. It is my hope that this guide offers clarity and reassurance about finding the right support for however you plan to pursue conception.

As always, it is my honor to be part of someone’s journey of bringing new life into the world. Thank you for reading this guide and allowing me to share the knowledge I have gathered with you. I am grateful to be part of your journey in even this small way. If you would like additional information about Hearth Acupuncture and how we can support your path to conception through acupuncture and herbal medicine, we would be delighted to connect with you.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common gynecological conditions, affecting approximately 1 in 10 women. While the name focuses on the ovaries, PCOS is actually a complex condition involving the endocrine, nervous, and cardiovascular systems.

For people with uteruses, especially those navigating the path to fertility, pregnancy, or postpartum recovery, understanding PCOS is a vital step in regaining hormonal harmony. If you’ve felt like your body is sending mixed signals, you aren’t alone. Today we’re breaking down the signs, symptoms and solutions that can help you find hormonal balance.

Understanding the Signs:

Did you know that you don’t actually need cysts to have PCOS, but they are a common feature? On an ultrasound, these often appear as a “string of pearls“, specifically 12 or more small follicles (2-9 mm) resting on the ovaries.

However, the symptoms often show up in your daily life long before an ultrasound. These symptoms include:

• Irregular Cycles: Long or infrequent cycles are a hallmark sign.
• Anovulation: Some may experience multiple LH surges throughout a single cycle, but your body is unable to actually release an egg.
• Hormonal Fingerprints: Excess androgens (steroid hormones that develop male characteristics) can lead to adult acne, thinning hair (male pattern baldness), or unwanted hair growth on the face or body. While androgens are needed for development in both sexes, the amount matters.
• The Genetic Link: There is a strong hereditary component. If your mother or sister has PCOS, your likelihood of experiencing it increases.

The Root Cause: Insulin and the Metabolic Connection

At the heart of PCOS lies Insulin Resistance (IR). When your tissues become less sensitive to insulin, your pancreas overproduces it to compensate. This excess insulin acts like a hormonal alert, signaling to your ovaries to produce more testosterone and less SHBG (the protein that removes excess hormones).

This “systemic confusion” disrupts folliculogenesis, the very earliest stages of egg development. High insulin levels can decrease mitochondrial function, which is the literal engine of your oocytes (eggs), making egg quality and ovulation more difficult to achieve.

The TCM Perspective: Dampness, Stagnation, and Jing

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we view PCOS as a complex pattern involving several “Elements” and systems:

• The Earth Element (Spleen/Stomach): When digestion is weak, “Dampness” and “Phlegm” accumulate. In the physical body, this manifests as cysts, disrupted digestion, fluid metabolism, and difficulty with weight management.
• The Wood Element (Liver): Unmanaged stress leads to Liver Qi Stagnation, which creates heat and further disrupts the hormonal flow.
• Jing (Prenatal Essence): Because of the genetic link, we look to nourish the “Kidneys” to support your foundational reproductive health.
• Chong & Ren Channels: Chong is the “Sea of Blood” while Ren is the purest form of yin and embodies reproduction. When they are weak or obstructed by dampness, phlegm or stagnation, cycles become irregular, folliculogenesis is impaired, and the uterine lining or endometrium may not be properly nourished.

Natural Solutions and Supportive Care

The good news is that PCOS responds beautifully to dedicated lifestyle, dietary, and herbal interventions.

1. Nutrition for Hormonal Flow
   • Stabilize Blood Sugar: Avoid intermittent fasting, which can trigger a stress response in the HPA axis. Instead, focus on small, frequent meals every 90 minutes to 2 hours to keep blood sugar steady.
   • The “Slow Carb” Approach: Aim for <80g of carbs daily, focusing on low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory foods.
   • Protein is Key: Prioritize eggs daily, low-mercury fish, grass fed meat, and legumes.
     
2. Targeted Supplementation
   While some are prescribed Metformin, we often recommend Inositol. Studies show Inositol can be as effective as Metformin for insulin resistance without the common side effects of bloating or abdominal pain. Other powerhouses include:
   • Berberine: To improve ovulation rates (safe while TTC, not safe during pregnancy).
   • CoQ10 (600mg): To support mitochondrial health and egg quality (safe while TTC and pregnancy).
   • Alpha Lipoic Acid: To support a healthy insulin response (safe while TTC and pregnancy).
     
3. The Power of Acupuncture & Herbs
   Acupuncture and Chinese herbs work to nourish the kidneys, harmonize the menstrual cycle, improve the free flow of qi, nourish blood, drain damp, and clear heat. By harmonizing the Chong and Ren channels, we can:
   • Regulate the HPA axis and reduce stress.
   • Improve metabolic function and blood flow to the ovaries.
   • Optimize the environment for successful ovulation and pregnancy.

Finding Long-Term Hormonal Balance

While a PCOS diagnosis can feel like a heavy weight, especially when you are dreaming of growing your family, it does not need to be life-altering. It is simply a map showing us where your body needs a little extra navigation. By integrating acupuncture to move stagnant qi, using herbs to clear dampness, bring rhythm back to your cycle, and making lifestyle shifts to soothe your metabolic fire, we do more than just manage symptoms; we treat the root.

Whether you are prepping for pregnancy or seeking balance in your life, our goal is to help you rediscover your body’s innate wisdom and return to a natural, vibrant rhythm. You don’t have to navigate this hormonal landscape alone; we are here to help you harmonize your system and reclaim your vitality.

If you aren’t yet a patient of Hearth Acupuncture, we would love to help you learn more about our clinic and help you make your first appointment! Reach out to hello@hearthacupuncture to get started today.

Acupressure is an excellent way to support your fertility journey, not only can it bridge the gap
between weekly visits in our office, but it provides an opportunity to bring calming, intentional
energy and focused breathwork to your reproductive organs.
In this blog, I will share with you what acupressure is, why it is helpful for fertility, and how you
can use it at home.

The “What” and “Why” of Acupressure

What is it? Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but acupuncture uses tiny, single use
needles to stimulate specific points on the body, and acupressure uses the firm pressure of your
own fingers. These points sit along “meridians,” which you can think of as energy highways.
The network of meridians work together synergistically and each meridian corresponds to
different organ systems in the body.

Why does it work for fertility? Acupressure can help reduce stress, calm the mind, improve
blood flow, reduce pain and boost mood by the release of dopamine. Stress in our modern day
lives is abundant and its negative impact on fertility is well known. Not to mention the stress that
trying to conceive causes. If your body senses stress, or perceives a threat, it will pump out
cortisol (a steroid hormone) and prioritize survival (breathing, heart rate) sending us into fight or
flight. This sympathetic response by the autonomic nervous system serves us well in the
presence of an actual threat, but when activated constantly it can work against us. While fertility
is a primary function of our reproductive system, our body will prioritize survival over
reproduction. The more we can bring our body into the parasympathetic, or rest and digest
state, the better we are able to handle and manage our stress. Acupuncture and acupressure is
an excellent way to promote this. See these three major ways it can benefit you:

1. Shifting the Nervous System: It moves you out of Sympathetic Dominance (the
   “Fight or Flight” stress mode) and into the Parasympathetic state (“Rest and Digest”).
   Your hormones function best when you are relaxed.
2. Boosting Blood Flow: It encourages blood to flow to the pelvic organs. This improves
   Endometrial Receptivity—which means making the lining of your uterus thick,
   nutrient-rich, and “sticky” so an embryo can implant there optimally.
3. Hormonal Harmony: By stimulating specific points, you are sending signals to your
   brain to support your hormones and bring balance to your body.

How to Perform Your At-Home Acupressure Session

To get the best results, focus on consistency.
The Touch: Use your thumb or index finger to apply firm, deep pressure. It should feel “heavy”
or slightly tingly, but never painful.
● The Timing: Hold each point for 3 to 5 minutes. Aim for 3 times a week.
● The Setting: Find a quiet spot. Put your phone away. Put on some soft music. By
creating a ritual, you tell your body, “It is safe to relax now.”

Your Cycle Point-by-Point

Our bodies have different needs depending on where we are in our cycle. Remember, you want
to hold these points for 3-5 minutes at least 3 times a week. Here is your roadmap:

1. The Menstrual Phase (~Days 1–4)

Goal: Smooth flow and letting go.
● Conception vessel 6: Located about 1 inch below your belly button. This is your “Sea of
Qi” (energy).
● Stomach 36: On the outside of your shin, just below the knee. It builds your blood,
supports immune function, and boosts energy.
● Liver 3: On the top of your foot between the big and second toe. It helps with “stuck”
emotions and PMS.
● Large intestine 4: The web between your thumb and pointer finger. It helps the body
move things along smoothly.

2. The Follicular Phase (Day 5 to Ovulation)

Goal: Growing the egg and building the uterine lining.
● Yin Tang: Directly between your eyebrows. This “Third Eye” point calms the mind and
reduces anxiety.
● Spleen 4: On the inner arch of your foot at the base of the 1st metatarsal bone. It helps
“build” the resources your body needs.
● Kidney 6: Just below the inner ankle bone. This supports your “Kidney Essence,” which
is the foundation of fertility in Chinese Medicine.

3. Ovulation

Goal: Supporting the transition from yin to yang in the menstrual cycle and the release of the
egg from the ovary.

● Spleen 6: On the inner leg, three finger-widths above your ankle bone. This is a
magnificent point that supports the Uterus, Kidney, Liver, and Spleen.
● Heart 7: On the pinky-side of your inner wrist crease. It keeps your heart calm during
this high-energy time.

4. The Luteal Phase (Post-Ovulation to Period)

Goal: Encouraging implantation, progesterone production, and grounding.
● Governing vessel 20: The very top of your head. This point helps “lift” energy to keep a
potential pregnancy secure.
● Kidney 1: On the bottom of the foot, in a depression at the base of the metatarsals. It is
the most grounding point on the body—perfect if you are feeling the “Two Week Wait”
anxiety.
● Kidney 27: Just below your collarbone in a depression next to your sternum. This helps
you take deep, nourishing breaths.

The Follicular Phase Massage

Done from the end of your period until you ovulate.

During the first half of your cycle, we want to physically move blood and energy in the lower
belly. Using Castor Oil (which is great for reducing inflammation and increasing circulation)
makes this even more effective.

1. The Starting Point: Apply the oil to your lower belly.
2. The Pressure: Lightly press the inguinal area (the crease where your legs meet your
   torso). This is where many lymph nodes and blood vessels live.
3. The Pattern: Use broad strokes moving from your hips diagonally up toward your belly
   button. Repeat 3 times. Then, stroke straight up from your pubic bone to your belly
   button 3 times.

Consistency is the key to seeing changes. By consistently using these points to balance your
hormones and calm your nervous system, you are actively nourishing your womb or “hearth”
and creating a receptive environment for new life. Remember, big changes often come from
these small, intentional moments of self-care.

We are so honored to support you on this journey, and we’re here for you every step of the way.

Traditional Chinese Medicine can support you through your fertility journey and beyond into pregnancy and postpartum. If you are just beginning your journey, know that Chinese Medicine is an excellent complement to optimize fertility. On the other hand, if you are feeling the frustration and even devastating effects of month after month of negative pregnancy tests and are looking for more support or if you are beginning the process of working with a reproductive endocrinologist, consider adding Chinese medicine to your journey.

Yes, Chinese Medicine can help bring balance to the menstrual cycle to optimize fertility but it can also be used to support assisted reproductive treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilization (IVF) for both donor, non-donor cycles, fresh or frozen cycles, as well as controlled endometrial development. Often the medications used in these treatments can be very hard on the body and cause physical and mental discomfort. There is help.

Through the use of acupuncture (needling), moxibustion (heat therapy), diet and lifestyle recommendations, Chinese Medicine will help to support your reproductive cycle. It promotes or may help to establish rhythm if cycles are irregular, support regular ovulation, and optimal length for follicular and luteal phases. It will help support and prevent symptoms of estrogen dominance, low progesterone, support patients experiencing PMDD and reduce PMS symptoms. It will help to decrease adverse effects of symptoms from the medication, improve positive outcomes throughout a medicated cycle, ensure the uterine lining is thick and ready for implantation, improve blood flow to the uterus, decrease stress and anxiety, and support hormonal balance with or without ART methods involved.

So, you may be thinking, what does treatment look like…

We begin the initial visit with a very detailed intake no matter where you are in your journey, meeting you and your partner where you are at and developing a treatment plan tailored specifically for you. The treatment plan is always being monitored and adapted to your needs and in relation to where you are at in your menstrual cycle or where you are at in your ART journey. We include acupuncture treatments that are supporting each particular phase you are in. For example, in the menstrual phase the aim is to move blood, reduce pain and inflammation, clear heat, and support the body with any co-occurring symptoms which may develop. In the follicular phase the focus is on building yin, supporting follicular development, while the body does the hard work of preparing for ovulation and ensuring the lining is thickening and ready for implantation in the luteal phase. During ovulation we focus on the transition from the yin phase of the cycle to the yang phase of the cycle; we encourage more qi and blood flow to the reproductive organs at this time as well when so much is happening. During the luteal phase we encourage/build yang qi, progesterone, and help to support the body with calming the mind and reducing stress, and gentle movement and blood flow to the reproductive organs.

Throughout this process we encourage you to consume foods that nourish your body and organs of digestion in Chinese medicine (spleen and stomach), foods that nourish the kidneys and the jing (or essence), and nourish blood. Often this looks like warm cooked foods that are anti-inflammatory, prioritizing bone broths, soups, stews, omega 3 rich foods, fermented foods, and limiting raw cold foods and avoiding greasy or fried foods. We examine what supplements are being taken and pare it down to focus on nutrients that support preconception health, reducing stress, and supporting a healthy pregnancy. This includes a prenatal vitamin that contains folate or folic acid, b vitamins, and minerals. Magnesium and B vitamins support stress and the nervous system. Nutrients to support a growing baby and brain health such as fish oil and choline, and vitamin D3 for hormone support and immune function. Focusing on getting as much as possible through food and nutrition first and then filling in gaps with supplements if needed.

While Chinese Medicine and Western medicine view reproductive health through different lenses, it is incredibly helpful to apply the framework of Chinese Medicine over what is happening at a physiological level. This includes patterns that arise in your basal body temperature chart, how hormone imbalances may be impacting your individual cycle and body (ie what symptoms are showing up), any diagnosed medical conditions such as PCOS, POI,PMDD, and endometriosis to name a few. Symptoms and signs showing up throughout the cycle, and using a whole symptoms approach. We support the channels/vessels and organ systems involved and help restore balance in the body with gentle manipulation and support.

If you’re interested in seeing how Chinese medicine can support your journey, we are here and would love to work with you on this incredible journey!

Pregnancy is a long journey that brings joy and anticipation to the expecting parent. There are many milestones and hurdles along the way, one of which is understanding your baby’s position in the womb. Malposition in late pregnancy, such as breech (feet first), posterior (sunny side up), or transverse (sideways) can all lead to a lot of concerns and apprehensions as you are preparing for your baby’s arrival. Today’s discussion is about malposition and how East Asian Medicine can help optimize your baby’s position as you move closer to your due date.

A breech pregnancy occurs when baby’s head is positioned upward in the uterus, rather than facing downwards toward the birth canal. While uncommon, it may reduce the chances for a vaginal birth. This positioning can increase the complexity of labor and delivery, potentially necessitating a cesarean section if baby does not turn into a head down position by 38 to 39 weeks. Certain medical interventions are available, most commonly an external cephalic version, or ECV. While a version can be successful, it can be painful and create unnecessary stress for the birthing person and it can be helpful to consider other methods prior to an ECV. It is also helpful to combine the use of East Asian Medicine prior to having an ECV. Other alternative methods to help optimize baby’s position are acupuncture and moxibustion (moxa), specific exercises and stretches in Spinning Babies, pelvic floor physical therapy, and the Webster technique performed by chiropractors. Oftentimes we recommend a combination of each of these to help give baby the best chance to shift position. Each of these alternative methods are non-invasive approaches to help turn baby into the optimal position for delivery. In this blog, we will explore how acupuncture can offer support during a breech pregnancy.

Pregnancy can be accompanied by stress and anxiety, especially when you are being asked to shift your expectations and potentially change your birth plan upon discovering that your baby is not in a head down position. Acupuncture treatments are known to induce a sense of deep relaxation and tranquility, helping to provide a safe and calm space to process what you may be feeling while creating a more favorable environment for baby to adjust its position. Acupuncture also enhances the flow of Qi and blood in the body. When specific acupuncture points are targeted, it can gently encourage baby to move within the womb. By gently stimulating the uterus and surrounding tissues, acupuncture may facilitate baby in repositioning. Imbalances in the pelvic muscles and ligaments may also contribute to a breech presentation. Addressing these imbalances by targeting acupuncture points that correspond to the pelvis helps in softening tight muscles and encouraging proper alignment of the pelvis, creating more space for baby to turn head down.

Moxibustion is another technique that has been shown to increase the chance that a breech baby will turn to the head down position. It involves using the dried herb Ai Ye, or mugwort, to indirectly warm UB-67, an acupuncture point on the toe, to stimulate the baby to move. It is recommended to begin between weeks 34-35, for a minimum 30 minutes a day for ten days (15 minutes on each side). This is something that can be self-administered and done at home. Your acupuncturist can provide you with the tools to do this safely.

External cephalic version(ECV) is a medical procedure, and the most common intervention performed, to manually turn the baby from a breech position to a head-down position. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with an ECV to improve its success rate and reduce discomfort during the procedure. Studies have shown that combining acupuncture with ECV may increase the likelihood of a successful version by 65%. However, it is important to keep in mind that these recommendations are only for uncomplicated pregnancies. If there are any complications such as abnormal amounts of amniotic fluid, fetal abnormalities, growth issues, vaginal bleeding, a bicornuate uterus, placenta previa, gestational diabetes, or hypertension, a different treatment plan may be needed. This is why it is of the utmost importance to consult your primary care physician and qualified acupuncturist prior to starting any form of treatment.

Acupuncture’s non-invasive nature, along with the potential benefits of relaxation, fetal movement stimulation, pelvic alignment, and complementing medical interventions, make it an excellent option for expectant mothers seeking additional support. As with any complementary therapy, it is essential to consult a qualified acupuncturist and inform your healthcare provider before proceeding. With proper guidance and care, acupuncture may serve as a valuable tool in promoting a breech baby’s natural repositioning, contributing to a smoother and more fulfilling birth experience.

If you would like to read more about the research surrounding moxa for breech care, head over to this link to read an exceptional article written by a fellow MAMPS graduate who is creating great work by reviewing up-to-date research on many important perinatal health topics.

Can Acupuncture or Moxibustion (Moxa) Help with Turning a Breech Baby?

If you are currently or about to start breast/chestfeeding or pumping, it’s possible you may be experiencing a sense of overwhelm as you are navigating the steep learning curve these new skills entail. And the expectation that you “should’ be able to master these skills overnight can give you an extra nagging feeling of not measuring up.  Have you considered how acupuncture and herbal medicine can help with issues such as clogged ducts, mastitis, low milk supply, and techniques to help you along the way?  

 
Everyone’s journey through feeding their baby will look different and there is no one single ‘right’ way. No doubt you have read books or articles about proper nutrition and feeding and have come up with your own individual plan or perhaps one has evolved through trial and error. Just remember, how you care for and feed your baby is a reflection of you and your family’s unique experience and story.  You are the author, and the story is still being written.  So, read on if you would like to learn some excellent ways you can prepare your body to ease you through the process.  

Growing and birthing a baby takes an incredible toll on your body and many of your resources (qi and blood!) go to work to simply sustain your own maternal health.  So, it is essential to ensure your body has the added reserve of resources to produce milk. In Chinese Medicine theory, it is understood that milk is made from the blood.  It is critical to build and strongly nourish blood, both throughout your pregnancy and postpartum.  Qi helps keep blood flowing smoothly and ensures circulation is optimal, so we want to nourish and move qi as well in late pregnancy and postpartum.  Look over the list of foods suggested here and consider how you can incorporate as many as possible into your diet. Make a list and plan some menus. We suggest eating dark leafy greens, sea veggies, trace minerals, bone-in meats, or fish (always organic), grains including oats, millet, barley, and sweet rice.  Legumes are another great food source to nourish the blood and qi: *adzuki, chickpeas, lentils, mung beans, soybeans, *peanuts. Papaya (especially green), one daily if possible, would be excellent.  Sweet potato or Chinese yam, fennel and fennel seed will also increase the supply.  Add these herbs as you cook- basil, marjoram, dill, anise, caraway, turmeric.  Additional ideas include gelatin (from grass fed source), coconut water, and coconut meat.  It is also important to consume ample amounts of fluids by drinking 8-12 cups of water daily. Incorporating soups, stews, and porridges into your diet will also aid in fluid intake.  Herbal infusions are also beneficial during this time and some we love are nettles, red raspberry leaf (which supports the uterus after birth), mint rose, and barley.  We also need qi, or energy to express the milk so (good news!) slowing down and allowing yourself to rest will absolutely benefit lactation. 

In the early days of breast/chestfeeding and pumping, sore nipples are a very common concern (not to mention, really painful!). It is important to find the cause, but there are some things you can do in the meantime to give yourself some relief. A warm soak with Epsom salts or warm compress is like a spa for painful nipples! You can dissolve half a teaspoon of sea salt or Epsom salts in eight ounces of warm water, place the solution in a glass, and invert onto your nipples for about two minutes, five to seven times a day, after pumping or nursing. This should be followed by applying a nipple butter, we like Earth Mama’s. It contains herbs such as calendula and mango seed that moisturize the skin and decrease inflammation. 

Engorged breasts are also normal in the early days of starting breast/chestfeeding or pumping as your milk supply is establishing and increasing.  Nursing on baby’s cues and allowing baby to empty the breast before switching sides is helpful.   Making sure baby is nursing well will minimize engorgement too.  It is also essential to determine if there are any anatomical conditions present that may prevent baby from fully latching or from fully emptying the breast.  Previous breast enhancement, or reduction in mom can have an impact.  Your lactation specialist or pediatrician can help support you in addressing any anatomical issues that may arise.  Importantly, if engorgement is present and does not subside, be aware that it may lead to clogged ducts. A clogged duct may show up as a tender area on the breast, a milk blister, pain during let down, and relief after feeding. Teas that promote healing, pain relief, and circulation are chamomile, ginger, marshmallow root, slippery elm, and burdock which are all safe while breast/chestfeeding.  A warm Epsom salt soak quickly reduces swelling and inflammation to release the clogged duct. This can be done by mixing two teaspoons of Epsom salt into eight ounces of warm water and soaking the breast. There are also multiple acupuncture points that you can apply pressure to in order to address painful breasts such as Small Intestine 11, Small Intestine 1, Conception Vessel 17, and Pericardium 6 (locations can be found on acumeridianpoints.com). Please note: If your breast is red, if you have a fever or chills, body aches, or flu symptoms, contact your health care practitioner immediately.  Flu-like symptoms, in addition to redness and pain at the breast, may be mastitis which must be treated immediately and often requires medical treatment and medication. 

There are many herbs that can help boost milk production. Ba Zhen Tang, or 8 treasure decoction is one of our very favorites to replenish blood, qi, and jing (our prenatal qi). These are vital to promote healing postpartum and address milk production. Motherlove’s More Milk Plus herbal blend contains fenugreek, thistle, nettle, and fennel seed to support milk supply along with the teas listed above.  There are multiple acupuncture points that you can apply pressure to stimulate milk production. These points include Gallbladder 21, Stomach 36, Small Intestine 1, and Conception Vessel 12.  And, finally, we hate to sound like a broken record, but we will because it is so important: drinking an abundance of fluids is essential and listen to the hunger cues; it can be helpful to remind yourself to eat each time you nurse or pump.   

If you are nearing the end of your breast/chestfeeding journey and need to stop milk production, there are many herbs that can help. Sage, peppermint, and parsley leaves are all anti-galactagogues and make great teas for this purpose. 

Breastfeeding and pumping are often a very challenging aspect of motherhood and so, along with the increased fluid intake, we insist that rest is also so very important during this time. And not just physically but for your mental health!  We know it is hard to get, especially when there are other children in the house. But sleep deprivation is a maddening cycle that leads to frustration which leads to… ah(!), you already know!!  If you are fortunate enough to have a strong community of friends and helpers, let them help! Accept all the help. Step out of your comfort zone and, dare we say it, ask for help! Get the rest! 

Be encouraged that you are not alone. There are many resources available. And we are here to support you.  We hope you will put some of these suggestions and techniques into practice, little by little. Every moment of overcoming an issue you face leads to gaining greater confidence and assurance in your journey.