Health

What Interferes with Successful Breastfeeding?

Published

3 years ago

September 5, 2023

While breastfeeding is ideal, it comes with many difficulties new parents might face.

After experiencing the intensity of labor and delivery, many new parents are left exhausted. Despite this fatigue and surviving pospartum, new parents soon learn the importance of managing the needs of an infant. Putting aside their own desires, parents learn to quickly adapt.

Exhaustion and recovery are not the only things that discourage parents from breastfeeding. There are a variety of other woes that can make it difficult for a lactating parent to continue to choose this option.

While 83 percent of women breastfeed at the beginning of postpartum, there is a drastic reduction by 6 months, resulting in only 56% of babies still being breastfed.

Engorged Breasts

When a lactating woman’s milk comes in, she may experience intense pain and discomfort. The breasts typically become overly filled with milk because they have not yet regulated their supply. This engorgement can continue throughout the breastfeeding journey for a variety of reasons.

If the baby’s schedule changes, a woman’s breasts can become overly full. If the parent misses a feeding, breasts can experience discomfor which can lead to breastfeeding infection. If a woman becomes preoccupied at work and does not make time to pump, she can experience discomfort.

If breast engorgement is not treated properly, milk ducts can become blocked, and if a woman does not work to move the milk through her breasts (via feeding her baby, pumping, or expressing the milk), this engorgement can lead to further problems and may cause clogged milk ducts.

Infection

One of the biggest concerns beyond the pain a woman experiences with engorgement is infection. This is known as mastitis, and leads to a woman experiencing not only breast pain and warm breast tissue, but also flu-like symptoms that come with fever, chills, headache, and further exhaustion.

In order to help prevent infection, regular feedings are essential. Often, the best mastitis treatment, at least for early symptoms, is to massage the breast in a warm shower and express the extra milk.

Furthermore, by working with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), parents can have a great resource on how to best deal with, treat, and alleviate these problems.

Not only is an IBCLC a great resource in helping prevent breast infection, but a great source for your breastfeeding journey to encourage and educate you in best practices.

The best way to achieve breastfeeding success is to utilize the many tools that an IBCLC offers.

Burnout

To exclusively breastfeed your baby can be quite overwhelming and exhausting. Between nightly feedings, cluster feedings, and pumping sessions for working mothers, breastfeeding is difficult to maintain. Unless a woman is properly supported by her family, friends, and workplace, the chances that a woman will continue to breastfeed are significantly impacted.

Culture also impacts the likelihood of a baby being breastfed beyond 6 months. The CDC discovered that parents in the Southeast United States are less likely to breastfeed their children past six months. This was in contrast to the Northwest, where business policies and the culture is more breastfeeding-friendly and supportive.

Conclusion

Despite the nutritional benefits afforded to a breastfed baby, there are many obstacles that can be discouraging for parents on their breastfeeding journey. From exhaustion to pain to lack of supoort, parents have many reasons to give up.

To increase your chances of success, surround yourself with supportive individuals, reach out to an IBCLC, also known as lactation consultants, and gain the necessary tools required to provide your child with the healthiest option available – you!

Health

Bloat-Free & Energized: How Dr. Ming’s Teas Fit Into a Healthy Lifestyle

Published

1 month ago

March 24, 2026

Michelle Langton

Photo Courtesy of: Dr. Ming

Byline: Margot Everly

Herbal teas have long been known for their soothing qualities, but Dr. Ming’s range of products takes it a step further, providing a holistic approach to wellness through clinically tested, herbal-based solutions. With a focus on metabolism support, digestion, detoxification, and overall well-being, Dr. Ming’s teas aim to help individuals feel lighter, energized, and more balanced, all without the use of artificial additives.

The Three-Step System for Wellness

Dr. Ming’s flagship offering is its three-step tea bundle, a combination of Dr. Ming Green Tea, Pineapple Tea, and Sleep Tea, designed to work synergistically throughout the day to support various aspects of wellness. Each product targets different health concerns, starting with metabolism boosting in the morning and winding down to detoxification and restful sleep at night.

Dr. Ming Green Tea is a key part of the system. It’s designed to support digestion, fat oxidation, and energy levels by helping to accelerate metabolism naturally. “Green tea has long been recognized for its role in supporting metabolic function,” says Evelyn Chang, CEO of Dr. Ming. “Our blend enhances that effect, allowing users to feel more energized throughout the day without the need for artificial stimulants.”

Following the morning boost, Dr. Ming Pineapple Tea steps in during the afternoon. Its combination of natural ingredients works to reduce bloating and support the body’s detoxification processes. By promoting digestive health, this tea aims to make users feel lighter and more comfortable, easing the discomfort of bloating that often comes with modern diets. The final part of the system is the Sleep Tea, which helps to reduce stress, calm the mind, and promote a restful night’s sleep.

Gut Health and Digestion: A Foundation of Wellness

A common issue for many individuals is digestive discomfort, whether it’s bloating, sluggish digestion, or irregularity. Dr. Ming’s Pineapple Tea aims to address these concerns by offering a natural solution to support gut health. The benefits of good digestive health are numerous; it’s not only about comfort but also about the body’s ability to absorb nutrients effectively and maintain energy levels.

Chang explains, “Digestion is at the core of many of our health issues. When your digestive system is out of balance, everything else follows suit. We’ve formulated our Pineapple Tea to support the digestive process and reduce bloating, giving our customers a natural solution that helps them feel lighter, more energized, and ready to take on the day.”

Beyond the digestive benefits, the teas also play a role in the body’s natural detoxification process. Both the Pineapple Tea and the Green Tea include ingredients that help promote the elimination of toxins, contributing to the body’s overall health. This detox support is key in a lifestyle that values holistic well-being.

The Sleep Tea: Stress Relief and Better Sleep

Many people struggle with getting quality sleep. Stress, anxiety, and poor sleep hygiene are common culprits, leaving individuals feeling tired and sluggish. Dr. Ming’s Sleep Tea targets this issue with ingredients designed to calm the mind and promote a deep, restorative sleep.

“This tea has been a favorite among our customers who want to unwind and improve their sleep quality,” Chang says. “We focused on creating a formula that helps people relax and destress naturally, without relying on chemicals or sleep aids that may cause dependency.”

The Sleep Tea is a gentle way to reduce anxiety, offering a natural remedy for those who find it hard to quiet their minds at the end of a busy day. By promoting relaxation, it supports the body’s ability to detoxify overnight, allowing users to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.

A Sustainable Approach to Wellness

What sets Dr. Ming’s teas apart from other wellness products on the market is the focus on long-term, sustainable results. Unlike many quick-fix solutions that promise rapid weight loss or extreme detoxification, Dr. Ming’s teas provide a balanced approach to overall wellness.

“The goal of our products is not just to support natural body balance or gentle detox, but to help create a sustainable wellness routine that people can maintain over time,” says Chang. “We believe in helping people feel better in their bodies by offering natural solutions that integrate into daily life, rather than offering a fleeting, short-term solution.”

This strategy aligns with the growing trend of individuals seeking more sustainable, natural products that support a healthy lifestyle without relying on drastic measures. Dr. Ming’s teas are carefully formulated to be gentle, offering benefits over time without the harsh side effects often associated with other weight management and detox products.

Customer Satisfaction and Global Reach

With over a million satisfied customers worldwide, Dr. Ming has established a strong reputation for its effectiveness. Customer reviews frequently highlight the positive impact the teas have had on digestion, energy levels, and overall health. As Dr. Ming expands its reach internationally, it remains committed to delivering high-quality, natural products that align with the progressing wellness needs of its customers.

The company has recently launched a subscription service, allowing customers to receive their favorite teas delivered regularly, further simplifying the process of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This has resonated particularly well with those who seek convenience in their wellness routines.

In a crowded market of wellness products, Dr. Ming’s holistic approach—blending the best of traditional herbal remedies with modern science—offers a refreshing alternative to those seeking a natural way to feel energized, supported, and balanced.