Hi, Janaki - Does her arthritis not respond to the standard "Western" ani-inflammatories (Motrin, Relafen,etc.), or is she totally committed to using Chinese medical practice exclusively? The thing I would ask her is how would her condition be improved if she weren't breastfeeding? She may have found these herbals, etc. effective before, but I don't think it's realistic for her to just assume that she will again. It sounds like she had a lot of pain even BEFORE she was pregnant. If she weaned, she could be in just as much pain and disability AND be having to deal with her baby's problems with switching to formula & bottle or cup. Maybe if she can't find herbal treatments that are tolerated by her baby, she could try weaning & pump to keep her milk supply in production, so that if she doesn't get the relief she anticipated she could resume nursing. It's just hard for me to see how stopping nursing is going to make her feel better! Cathy Bargar, RN, IBCLC Ithaca NY