Maternal Health & Breastfeeding: A Functional Medicine Approach with an IBCLC
Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing — Learn more at www.fxnursing.com
What if many breastfeeding challenges aren’t just about latch or milk supply—but about maternal health and root causes?
In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager, DNP, IFMCP, interviews Katie Oshita, RN, IBCLC, lactation consultant and functional medicine nurse. Together, they explore how a functional medicine approach to lactation transforms outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Katie shares how her transition from hospital-based maternal-infant nursing to private practice allowed her to look upstream—addressing the ecosystem of mother and baby rather than isolated symptoms.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
Why many “breast milk allergies” and infant gut symptoms are rooted in maternal physiology
How stress, thyroid health, hormone balance, and nutrient status affect milk production
Why elimination diets can provide clues, but don’t create full healing on their own
The role of mitochondrial health and toxin exposure in maternal recovery
How asking better questions (“When were you last well?”) changes care plans
Why education, empowerment, and nursing scope are central in perinatal functional care
This episode is essential listening for:
✔️ Nurses and nurse practitioners
✔️ IBCLCs and lactation consultants
✔️ Functional medicine clinicians
✔️ Professionals interested in women’s health and infant gut health
✔️ Nurses exploring private practice or telehealth
If you care about supporting families upstream—through root cause healing, perinatal nutrition, and functional nursing principles—this conversation will expand how you think about breastfeeding support.
Guest Information
Katie Oshita, RN, IBCLC
Business: Cuddles & Milk
Website: https://www.cuddlesandmilk.com
Instagram & Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuddlesandmilklactation
https://www.instagram.com/cuddlesandmilk/
Explore functional nursing education and training at: www.fxnursing.com
Insightful episodes exploring functional medicine, systems thinking, and the future of nursing - one bold conversation at a time
The content in these podcast episodes are for informational or educational purposes brought to you by a Functional Nurse Practitioner and does not substitute professional medical advice or one-on-one consultation with your personal healthcare practitioner. It is strongly recommended that you always consult your healthcare practitioner before undertaking any new healthcare regimen to discuss your personal health history and goals.
