Chinese Medicine Techniques for Boosting Breastfeeding Success

Breastfeeding as a new mother can be challenging both physically and emotionally. While it is widely recognized that breastfeeding provides optimal nourishment for your baby, itself might involve some discomfort or complications like low milk supply and poor milk flow. Chinese Medicine offers natural, quick, and effective treatments to help you overcome these hurdles!

In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, breast milk is seen as a product of Qi vital energy and Blood transformation. After childbirth, the Blood that once nourished the placenta transforms into breastmilk. If a mother was deficient in Qi or Blood before delivery due to poor nutrition, blood loss during labor, or inadequate rest, it can lead to low milk production because of bodily exhaustion.

Therefore, mntning proper diet, adequate rest, and hydration are vital to replenish Qi and Blood during pregnancy, childbirth, and the sleepless nights that come with motherhood. Here’s how Chinese Medicine can help you:

Acupuncture and Acupressure: These traditional practices stimulate prolactin secretion, which in turn boosts milk production. Using moxibustion at Shaoze for 5 minutes dly or applying acupressure on Jianjing and Tanzhong points might be helpful. Multiple studies confirm the effectiveness of Ren 17 sternum center, SI 1 Shaoze; little finger, ST 18 Rugen; lower breast margins, Zusanli ST 36, Tchong LR 3, and other points in increasing postpartum milk supply for women experiencing inadequate flow.

Chinese Herbs: When there’s a lack of Qi or Blood, combining specific herbs can help boost milk production while also relaxing the body to improve milk flow. , only R.TCMPs with lactation support experience can prescribe these safe and effective herbs for you.

Dietary Therapy: A balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods can significantly impact breastmilk quality and quantity. Consuming enough protein, fats from whole foods, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and fluids is key to supporting milk production.

Acupuncture as a Complementary Treatment: Acupuncture for breastfeeding support not only enhances lactation but also promotes overall maternal well-being by reducing stress, fatigue, and improving sleep quality.

Let's delve into some dietary recommations that specifically support breastmilk:

• Leafy Greens and Vitamins A C: Incorporate leafy greens like spinach or kale. Vitamin A from sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin, along with vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers can help increase milk production.

• Protein Sources: Eat a variety of protein sources including lean meats, fish, eggs, dry products, legumes, and soy-based proteins.

• Calcium-Rich Foods: Ensure your diet includes calcium to support both lactation and bone health. Opt for foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, dry, and fortified plant milks.

To summarize:

1. Balanced Diet: Focus on nutritious foods rich in essential nutrients.

2. Replenish Qi and Blood: Use acupuncture or acupressure to boost energy and improve blood flow naturally.

3. Herbal Support: Consult an R.TCMP for herbal remedies to enhance milk production safely.

Incorporating these practices into your dly routine can significantly d your breastfeeding journey, ensuring both you and your baby thrive.

For more information on how Chinese Medicine can support you during breastfeeding or any other health concerns, reach out to our team of Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners.

References:

• Fan ZL et al. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2020;40:1138–42.

• Xian D. Application of acupuncture therapy in nursing care of maternal lack of breast milk. Nursing Research of China. 2017,3118: 2301-2303.

• Jiang LL. Observation on curative effect of postpartum hypogalactia treated by combination of TCM and Western Medicine. Journal of Qilu Nursing. 2014,205: 124.

• He JQ et al. Shanzhong acupoint treatment of postpartum hypogalactia: a multicenter randomized controlled study. Chinese Acupuncture Moxibustion. 2008,285: 317-320.

Published on June 14, 2022.
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