Breastfeeding and Chinese Medicine — Amy Chitwood Burslem, LAc.

Name: Breastfeeding and Chinese Medicine — Amy Chitwood Burslem, LAc.
Creator: Amy Chitwood Burslem, LAc.

I've received a lot of calls lately about acupuncture and breast feeding. Many mothers are concerned with lack of milk production, and others have experienced the dreaded mastitis on more than one occasion. Both of these issues are something that acupuncture and herbal medicine can definitely help with (be sure to find an acupuncture practitioner who specializes in women's health, especially fertility and pregnancy!)

Lack of milk: There are several ways to boost milk production, and acupuncture combined with Chinese herbs is a great way to help promote more milk and improved flow. Getting a an acupuncture treatment is a great way to determine why milk production is lower, and finding the best herbal formula to help. Each person has a unique constitution, and your practitioner will help you get the safest herbal formula for you and your baby.

A reduction in the flow of milk is often caused by either restricted flow of energy in the Liver, which is usually due to stress, or a blood deficiency. In Chinese medicine, the Liver influences the breast and chest regions. Stagnant Qi obstructs these channels to the breast, and then the milk cannot flow. Reducing stress whenever possible will help- finding half an hour to have for yourself every day will help immensely.

With blood deficiency, the lack of milk production is directly related to the blood. In Chinese medicine theory, blood produces the milk, and therefore a lack of blood will cause your body to produce less milk. This can be resolved with acupuncture an herbal treatment, as well as taking a good look at your diet, and making sure you are eating enough protein, such as beef, chicken, or vegetable proteins.

Mastitis: Acupuncture treatment includes acupoints in the hands, legs, upper chest, and possibly a few near the inflamed breast itself. Mastitis is inflammation of the breast, often caused by blocked milk ducts. It's necessary to move the stagnant blood and energy in the local area to clear the blockage, clear the inflammation, and get the milk moving again. Herbal medicine is also safe to take while breastfeeding- as long as you are taking the right herbs! Your practitioner will know what to give you.

If milk production just isn't working for some other reason, purchasing milk from another lactating mother is another option, and this is usually this is done through breast milk banks. You can contact a midwifery organization or your local hospital for more information about this. You can also make your own formulas- a rice or goats milk substitute is commonly used (I don't personally have experience with either of these, but would love more information from those who have used either of them!).

Ready to experience acupuncture in Portland?

Amy Chitwood Burslem is a licensed acupuncturist at Calm Acupuncture in SW Portland. She offers a free initial phone consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule an appointment with Amy?

Visit the appointments page at calmacupuncture.com/appointments or call Calm Acupuncture in SW Portland. A free initial phone consultation is available.

Where is Calm Acupuncture located?

Calm Acupuncture is at 1340 SW Bertha Blvd, Suite 200, Portland, Oregon 97219 — in the SW Burlingame neighborhood.

What conditions does Amy Chitwood Burslem treat?

Amy specializes in women's health, fertility, menopause, pain management, anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. She is a licensed acupuncturist with a Master's degree from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.