5 Common Breastfeeding Challenges—and How Herbs Can Help

Beyond the Bond

The Hidden Challenges of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is often hailed as a magical bonding experience—but let’s be real, it can also be downright challenging. From painful engorgement to dips in milk supply, the early postpartum phase can feel like a maze with no map. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and MotherBees gets it. We’re here to guide you with expert-backed advice, gentle rituals, and herbal helpers to journey through motherhood with more ease.

Fun fact: Did you know breast tissue contains sweat-like glands, meaning herbs such as fenugreek—traditionally used for sweat production—may also support lactation? Research has found that fenugreek can boost milk output in new mothers, helping babies gain more weight in just 14 days.

At MotherBees, we understand that every mom’s breastfeeding journey is unique. Whether you’re struggling with clogged ducts, low supply, or simply feeling overwhelmed, we’re here to offer compassionate, holistic support—rooted in tradition and anchored in science.

We’re not just delivering tips; we’re delivering community, care, and confidence—one gentle sip, salve, and ritual at a time.

Engorgement and Clogged Ducts

Finding Relief with Herbs

What It Is

Engorgement is when breasts become overly full, tight, and uncomfortable—a result of milk accumulation and swelling. This can lead to blocked (plugged) milk ducts, which present as tender lumps and may even trigger mastitis if untreated. (Source: Breastfeeding Medicine of Northeast Ohio)

Holistic Relief Tactics

Warm compresses and showers before feeding help loosen milk and encourage flow; cold compresses afterward can reduce swelling and pain. A 2017 randomized controlled trial observed that cold cabbage leaves were more effective than cold gel packs in easing breast pain and stiffness associated with engorgement. Note, however, that repeated use during active breastfeeding may dampen supply, so use with caution. (Source: Parents Verywell Health)

Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation (TBML) demonstrates significant, immediate benefit—reducing pain, helping manage milk stasis, and teaching self-care techniques for future issues.

Herbal Approaches for Comfort and Support

While scientific studies specific to herbs are limited, traditional wisdom and herbal models suggest that calendula, marshmallow, chamomile, and other anti-inflammatory botanicals can offer skin relief and easing comfort.

Products like Happy Ducts Free the Flow combine immune-supportive and lymph-stimulating herbs such as usnea, bee propolis, and echinacea to help move fluid and ease clogged ducts naturally.

New mother nursing balm, rich in calendula and marshmallow infused in beeswax, can soothe post-nursing skin gently and safely for both mom and baby.

Low Milk Supply

Natural Boosts from Galactagogues

What It Is

Low milk supply—whether perceived or actual—can stem from latch issues, stress, infrequent feedings, or hormonal shifts.

Herbal Galactagogues

Herbs like fenugreek, blessed thistle, fennel, moringa, milk thistle, and goat’s rue have long-standing traditional use to enhance milk production.

1. A qualitative study noted nearly half of postpartum women used these herbs as self-care tools during the early weeks.

2. A dietitian-reviewed guide lists fenugreek, blessed thistle, milk thistle, and moringa as common lactation support herbs—but emphasizes that evidence is mixed.

3. The Verywell Health guide echoes this, noting fenugreek can yield varying results, while moringa may increase prolactin in preterm moms; lecithin helps with duct clogs but not supply; milk thistle shows potential in animal studies but inconsistent human evidence.

4. Goat’s rue, from a lactation herbal guide, showed an average of 85 ml increased output versus placebo, and two-thirds of mothers in one study reported improvements.

Integrating the Support

Gentle, regular feeding or pumping remains foundational. Herbs can complement—not replace—optimal nursing techniques. Products like Milky Mama Tea, Milk Machine, and Milk Rich Supply Booster offer convenient and nurturing ways to integrate galactagogues and nurturing herbs into your routine.

Overactive Letdown and Imbalance

Calming Herbs for Flow

What It Is

Overactive letdown or oversupply can lead to fast-flowing milk that overwhelms the baby, causing coughing, choking, or digestive discomfort.

Herbal Balance

Sage is a traditional choice to slow letdown and gently reduce supply—especially helpful during weaning (Source: Verywell Health). Goat's rue supports balanced mammary tissue function.

Products such as Sage Milk Reduction can support a more gradual reduction in supply, while Goat’s Rue Lactation Aid targets healthy, balanced lactation flow with a single-herb formulation.

Stress and Fatigue

Herbal Allies for the Postpartum Mind

Why It Matters

Stress and exhaustion can inhibit the letdown reflex, negatively impacting milk flow.

Adaptogenic & Calming Herbs

Adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, reishi, holy basil, and schisandra help modulate stress, regulate cortisol, and support emotional resilience. (Source: Verywell Family.)

Ashwagandha: Clinical Psychiatry found it reduces anxiety and improves stress resilience.

Rhodiola: Shown to reduce stress symptoms and enhance mental performance.

Reishi: Traditional medicine celebrates its calming, immune-supportive benefits—but clinical data during breastfeeding is limited and requires cautious use.

Product-wise, Shatavari Ghee and Premium Cultured Ghee are nourishing choices—shatavari offers adaptogenic and postpartum hormonal support, while cultured ghee nourishes with healthy fats.

Holistic Breastfeeding Wellness

Food, Rituals, and Herbal Support

The Bigger Picture

Sustainable breastfeeding wellness blends nutritious food, healing rituals, and supportive herbs into nurturing everyday routines.

Nourishing Foods & Rituals

Bone broths—like Coconut Ginger Bone Broth (with ginger, mint, lemon) and Spring Clean, Lemongrass Bone Broth—offer immune support, hydration, and gut soothing nourishment.

Snacks like Parmigiano Reggiano Biscuits offer quick energy and pleasure, while the MotherBees Pantry Bundle (munchies, jujubes, porridge) ensures convenient, comforting support when time is short.

Targeted Breastfeeding Support

1. Milk Rich Supply Booster supports tissue nourishment and supply in a well-rounded formula.

2. Happy Ducts Free the Flow aids lymphatic health and duct clarity.

3. Breast/chest ice/heat Packs deliver gentle, immediate relief to engorged or tender areas.

Nourish Your Journey

Motherhood and breastfeeding are beautiful, profound—and often messy. Herbal allies, wholesome foods, and small rituals can provide comfort, calm, and confidence.

Trust your instincts, embrace the support of the community, and remember: every drop you offer matters deeply.

You’re resilient, resourceful, and radiant. And MotherBees is here—every sip, salve, and snack—to lift you up on this journey.