Breast-Feeding Problems

Engorged Breasts and Blocked Milk Ducts

Hydrotherapy Relieves Soreness and Swelling

After giving birth, many women find that their breasts become engorged as the body produces more milk than needed. But there's a soothing, simple solution: Fill a sink halfway with warm water. Lean over and place breasts into water. As you massage breasts from the ribs to the nipple, milk should flow out into the water. This will relieve some of the pain and discomfort associated with an oversupply of milk. Repeat as necessary.

Warm Herbal Poultice Eases Pain

Comfrey is the staple for treating cuts, scrapes and skin conditions. But according to herbalists, a comfrey poultice will relieve pain and irritation from blocked milk ducts, as well as reduce soreness from engorged breasts.

To prepare a soothing poultice:

1. Take one handful of fresh or dried comfrey leaves, place in a piece of cheesecloth or a cloth diaper, and tie with a piece of string or twine.
2. Place the packet in a small pot of simmering water for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Remove the packet of herbs and allow it to drain and cool for a few minutes before applying it to the affected breast.

If both breasts are showing symptoms of infection or blockage, prepare two comfrey packs. Do not reuse the herbs. Repeat four to five times a day as symptoms persist.

A Hot, Herbal Compress

A soothing parsley compress may help flush blocked breast ducts and reduce inflammation. Place a handful of fresh or dried parsley in a piece of cheesecloth or cloth diaper and tie securely with string. Place the parsley bundle in a small pot of simmering water for 10 minutes. Remove and let the pack cool and drain for a few minutes before placing on the tender part of your breast. If both breasts are sore or infected, prepare two parsley bundles.

Note: Be sure to throw out the packs after you've used them, say herbalists, because they absorb toxins from the breast tissue.

Marshmallow Root Makes a Soothing Soak

Marshmallow root is an herbal remedy for all types of ailments that result in sore, inflamed breasts and nipples after giving birth, including mastitis, blocked ducts and an oversupply of milk.

1. Add two ounces of dried marshmallow root to one-half gallon of boiling water that has been removed from the stove.
2. Let the mixture sit overnight to fully infuse.
3. In the morning, reheat the solution until comfortably warm.
4. Pour the mixture into a large bowl or fill a sink halfway.
5. Lean over and place breasts into the herbal infusion and soak until the solution cools.

Repeat soaking in the heated infusion four or five times a day. And be forewarned: This mixture will feel a bit slimy to the touch.

Potato Packs a Punch

A cold potato poultice not only relieves mastitis and reduces inflammation, but also can help clear up blocked tubes and ducts in the breast tissue. To prepare:

1. Grate one or two large raw potatoes.
2. Apply the grated potato to completely cover one or both of your breasts as needed.
3. Cover the area with a towel or cloth and let sit for 10 or 15 minutes.

Repeat four to five times a day as long as symptoms remain.

Milk Deficiency

Tea with Milk?

It may smell like licorice, but to many new moms aniseed is better than candy. Tea from the aniseed herb is a baby-safe, mother-safe way to help boost the production of mother's milk for as long as the child nurses. Long touted by herbalists as a digestive aid, aniseed has been catching on among nurse-midwives and new mothers-in-the-know in recent years.

To prepare, pour one cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of the dried herb, and let steep for 10 minutes Commercial preparations such as Mother's Milk tea from Traditional Medicinals are also available. Within a few hours of drinking the tea, you'll feel the results.

Alfalfa-A Calcium Booster

Alfalfa is high in silica, which can help stimulate lactation if you're having trouble breast­feeding. As an alternative to capsules, which may be taken according to package instructions, you can prepare a tea with dried alfalfa. Put one teaspoonful into a cup of warm water and allow the herb to infuse for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture before drinking.

Raspberry Remedy for Lactation Problems

Raspberry leaf tea, because of its uterine toning properties, is often recommended to pregnant women. But don't stop drinking raspberry leaf tea after giving birth. This tea has tonic properties for stimulating glands responsible for the production of milk. Drink up to three cups a day.

To prepare, steep one teaspoon of dried leaves in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and sip.

Milk Thistle Lives Up to Its Name

Just like expectant mothers, new mothers often worry about the foods and drinks they ingest-and what effect those foods will have on the baby. New moms can rest easy in the case of milk thistle, which can be sipped in tea through­out the months of breast-feeding to promote milk production. Prepackaged preparations of milk thistle are available, but midwives often recommend the tea, as it lends itself more to a routine for both mother and baby.

Let Goat's Rue Work for You

Goat's rue, an herbal extract from Austria, has been reported to increase both a mother's production of milk solids and the volume of milk during her breast-feeding months. It may not be widely available in raw herb form, but goat's rue extract can be found in well-stocked ( herb stores. One teaspoon of the extract taken three times a day in water, tea or milk can make breast-feeding a lot more comfortable­especially for those who need to pump "for later" or during workdays away from baby.

Sore Nipples

Oil Relief

Nursing mothers often suffer from sore nipples, but must be careful not to use treatments that could be harmful to the baby. Here are two simple but worth while remedies that are also baby-safe:

• Apply vitamin E oil to the area daily, or as needed.
• Try a castor oil compress: Dip a washcloth in castor oil and apply to the breast, covering with a hot-water bottle, for one half hour at a time. (Check with your doctor first.)

Ease Sore Nipples

Nursing mothers can treat sore nipples with this baby-safe hot compress. Try dipping a towel or washcloth in warm water with a few drops of an antiseptic, but soothing, essential oil, such as lavender. Apply to the breast for half an hour at a time. Or look for a beeswax (not petroleum)-based salve with nourishing herbs like yarrow and sage.