Acupuncture and Breast Milk Production

How Acupuncture and Acupressure Can Enhance Breast Milk Production: A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Approach

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach that integrates acupuncture, acupressure, and dietary recommendations to support breastfeeding. This article explores how acupuncture can help increase breast milk production, along with key acupressure points and foods from TCM that can further enhance lactation.

Understanding Breast Milk Production in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In TCM, milk production is linked to the flow of Qi (vital energy) and the nourishment of the body’s fluids. The "Spleen" and "Kidney" organs play a key role in producing the body’s fluids, while the "Liver" is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi. When any of these systems are out of balance, it can result in insufficient milk production.

Breast milk is viewed as a product of the essence of blood and Qi, which is why TCM emphasizes restoring balance in the body to encourage lactation. Acupuncture, acupressure, herbs, and diet are used in TCM to support mothers in boosting breast milk production.

How Acupuncture Can Improve Breast Milk Production

Acupuncture is a key component of TCM, involving the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body to help restore balance and improve the flow of Qi. For lactating mothers, acupuncture can stimulate lactation by enhancing blood flow to the breast tissue, promoting the production of milk, and reducing stress and tension.

Common acupuncture points used for boosting milk production include:

1. SP6 – Located on the lower leg, this point helps regulate the body's Qi and promotes the flow of milk. It's also beneficial for balancing the Spleen and Kidney systems.

2. Ren 17  – This point is found on the chest and is used to enhance milk production by promoting the flow of Qi to the chest and breast area.

3. Zi Gong  – Located a few inches below the navel, this point helps with hormone balance and the production of milk. It’s often used to treat issues related to insufficient lactation.

4. Breast-Specific Points (ST18, SI1) – These points are directly linked to breast health and can stimulate lactation, helping to increase milk flow and support the overall health of the breasts.

Acupressure for Breast Milk Production

Acupressure is a non-invasive alternative to acupuncture, involving the application of pressure to specific points on the body. Similar to acupuncture, acupressure helps stimulate the flow of Qi, improve circulation, and reduce stress, all of which support milk production.

Key acupressure points for lactating mothers include:

1. Spleen 6 (SP6) – Pressing this point can help enhance milk production and regulate reproductive health.

2. Ren 17 – Gentle pressure on this point helps promote Qi flow to the chest, assisting with milk production.

3. Kidney 27 (KD27)  – Located on the collarbone area, this point is great for stimulating milk supply and helping with energy levels.

4. Small Intestine 1 (SI 1) – Located on the little finger, this point is particularly effective for stimulating lactation, especially when milk flow is slow or blocked.

To perform acupressure, simply use your thumb or index finger to apply firm, steady pressure on the designated points for about 1-2 minutes at a time. It’s important to perform this regularly, ideally in the morning and evening, for the best results.

TCM Foods to Support Lactation

In addition to acupuncture and acupressure, TCM recommends certain foods that can naturally boost milk production. These foods nourish the body’s Qi and blood, support the Spleen and Kidney functions, and help increase breast milk supply. Here are some key foods for lactating mothers based on TCM principles:

1. Red Dates (Jujube) – Red dates are commonly used in TCM to tonify blood and improve the body’s Qi. They help boost milk production and may help increase energy levels.

2. Black Sesame Seeds – Known for their ability to nourish blood and improve circulation, black sesame seeds are often recommended for lactating women to support milk production.

3. Ginger – Fresh ginger is widely used in TCM to warm the body, support digestion, and strengthen the Spleen. It’s also a great natural remedy for boosting breast milk production.

4. Papaya – Papayas are high in vitamin C and contain enzymes that support the production of breast milk. TCM practitioners often recommend papaya as a natural remedy for increasing milk supply.

5. Oats and Barley – Both of these grains are highly nourishing for the body and promote milk production. They are also easy to digest, which is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from childbirth.

6. Chicken Soup – In TCM, nourishing soups made from chicken and other warming ingredients are thought to improve Qi and blood circulation, leading to enhanced lactation.

7. Bone Broth – Full of collagen and minerals, bone broth is highly recommended for strengthening the body after childbirth and supporting milk production.

Tips for Optimizing Breast Milk Production with TCM

1. Stay Hydrated: TCM emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper hydration for milk production. Drink warm teas such as ginger tea, red date tea, or chrysanthemum tea to support digestion and lactation.

2. Stress Reduction: Stress is a major factor that can interfere with milk production. Find what works best for you—whether it's meditation, journaling, or simply unplugging for a while—and make it a regular part of your routine to manage stress effectively.

3. Eat Balanced, Nourishing Meals: Focus on foods that balance the body’s Qi and nourish the blood, as these will directly support your body’s ability to produce breast milk.

4. Rest When You Can: Adequate rest is essential for maintaining milk production. In TCM, rest helps restore the body’s energy and nourish vital fluids.

Acupuncture, acupressure, and diet are all valuable tools in the TCM approach to boosting breast milk production. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can naturally support lactation while also enhancing your overall well-being. 

Remember, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatments, especially if you’re experiencing medical concerns.

Please feel free to contact the office with any questions.

Take Care!

Exercise & Breastfeeding

Mama you did it! Baby is here, this is the time for you to connect with your little one and your new self. It's time for healing, resting and new experiences. Are you breastfeeding? How’s everything going? Are you experiencing breastfeeding issues?  Working with a lactation consultant can make your breastfeeding journey a smoother and better one. 

When to start exercising? 

After the first few months, it is very common to play with the idea of returning to your exercise routine but not sure if you feel ready? Other questions might keep circling your mind, such as will my milk supply suffer if I exercise? Am I making things worse if I don’t do enough exercises? Can I start running? When should I start?

First of all, start when you feel ready!  That being 6 weeks postpartum or 3 months, take your time and listen to your body and your needs. Be comfortable, do not compare your recovery to others as every journey is different. 

Second of all, studies have shown that moderate exercises do not affect milk supply. Most mothers feel better when they get some movement and exercises, bringing more benefits for them and their baby. 

Here are a few tips for you to start: 

• Start slowly and gradually. Simple exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing can be your first movement.  

• Keep hydrated. 

• Go for walks with your baby. 

• Feed your little one or pump before starting the workout to decrease breast discomfort. Also, using a supportive bra can be helpful. 

• Look for postnatal exercise classes near your area. 

• Keep an eye on how you feel after workouts. This can be your guide if you are doing too much so soon. 

• Don’t forget to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine. 

If you are experiencing leaking, pelvis pain, lower back pain/discomfort while exercising, our team of chiropractors, pelvic floor PT and massage therapists can help you! Talk to us, we might be able to help! 

Xoxo, 

Dr. Shirley

Breastfeeding Through Toddlerhood: A Mama's Reflection

For me, breastfeeding has created a special bond between me and my son and has been an important part of my motherhood. I have been blessed to be able to continue my breastfeeding journey with my little boy who is now over 3 years old. I understand and recognize that breastfeeding may not be the right fit for every family. There are many stresses and challenges that come with breastfeeding and each mother needs to make the choice that is best for her and her family. My heart goes out to all those who have struggled with breastfeeding.

Has it always been easy for us? Definitely not!! Did I think we would still be nursing at this point? Honestly, no, but am happy to still be able to support and comfort him this way.. I had no specific goals or plans beyond a year (after we had success for 6 months). Each mom and baby have different needs and challenges, but for us, this was a realistic goal. Nursing for us has certainly changed and evolved over time.

In the beginning, his tongue tie presented us with some small challenges which improved with laser frenectomy correction and chiropractic care. As he grew and developed, I saw how nursing helped him thrive. Being able to snuggle close with my little guy and nurture him has been so special. From providing nourishment in the early months to easing pains from boo-boos (big and small…and there have been many bumps and bruises along the way) to being his safe place and calming him when upset, knowing I was there to provide comfort and relief has been the most incredible, rewarding experience.

My son has always loved his “milky”—there were days he would nurse over 15 times a day! Some nursing sessions would last well over an hour, especially in the infant stage or before naps. Nursing on demand has worked for us, and I feel it has been my best way to support his needs as he grew. As he grew and was no longer in the newborn stage, feedings decreased and became easier.

After starting solids, he continued to love nursing and would still nurse several times a day. In 2020 when COVID hit, I was thankful I was able to continue sharing the benefits of the immune support from breastmilk. My body did not respond well to pumping and I often struggled to pump enough for more than a day or two supply. Unfortunately, due to COVID, I was laid off from the clinic where I was working. I was saddened to not be able to care for patients, but was relieved when I did not have to pump. Thinking back, I am not sure if we would still be in this breastfeeding journey if I had not been able to stay at home with him in 2020. He continued to nurse several times a day, especially before and after sleeping or for comfort.

The hardest period for us was during teething, which of course comes with its own challenges. At times it was so uncomfortable and even painful! As his latch changed and teeth became a factor, I definitely felt it. I even suffered from pretty severe clogged ducts which thankfully did not result in mastitis, thanks to the help and support from my lactation consultant and friend, Betsy. Thankfully, the times of discomfort didn’t last more than a few weeks and he figured out how to nurse without hurting his mama. I’m grateful that breastfeeding has been helpful for soothing him during these times and providing nutrients to support his growth.

Like most toddlers, my son is an active little guy and has had his share of bumps, bruises, and falls…including 2 trips to the ER and a broken bone. Being able to comfort him through nursing and support his healing has been such a beautiful experience. I am thankful to be able to help him in this way.

Nursing beyond the infant stage is not common in the US. I have also encountered differing opinions from people around me, but my focus is my son and our bond. Many are surprised to learn that it is very common for children to nurse until the age of 4 or 5 in many other countries (the world average is 4 years of age!). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding through the age of 2. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) previously had recommended 6 months, but now has modified their recommendations to match the WHO to encourage and support nursing through age 2. Of course, this may not fit all families, however, I’m happy to see a shift in our communities to support women and their children. Each child and mother have different needs. Children will wean when the time is right for them.

I have learned so much about motherhood, my son, and myself through our breastfeeding journey. Our bond is so strong and so close, which I know has been enriched from our special time together. Some of the most important lessons have been about patience, especially for myself. I find that I am a lot more flexible and relaxed about life, as each feeding can be so different and his needs ever changing. Have there been times I’ve felt overwhelmed? For sure! While I so enjoy being able to nurse my son, there are times when I may have felt frustrated or being pulled to do something else. Nothing is as sweet as nursing my sweet babe to sleep and knowing he feels safe and secure laying on me. This often has resulted in hours of me sitting, nursing, or rocking my little guy. I have found myself thinking, “I should get up and be productive (with household chores or personal tasks),” or sometimes feeling overwhelmed that he needed me so much…but then I pause and remember: THIS is important! Nothing is more important than me being here for my child and this moment right now. 

I am so blessed to have the support of family and friends, especially my husband, during this journey along with so many wonderful colleagues, including lactation consultants. Without their help, breastfeeding would have not been as successful as it has been, nor would I have had this experience to be able to share with other mothers.

So what now? Only time will tell how long he will want to nurse. He is slowly weaning himself and becoming more independent. Some days I think this may be the day when instead of asking for his “mama milky” the moment he wakes up, he instead, rolls over, climbs out of bed, and starts chasing the cat and continues non-stop the rest of the day. But come bed time, he’s asking for his mama and his “milky.” I have been blessed to be able to still give him his “milky.” My heart is so full with love and pride that I’ve been able to support my little one both physically and emotionally through nursing these past few years. I know there will be a day when he doesn’t want or need his mama the way he does now. Until then, I’ll soak up the sweet moments we have and I will always treasure our special time together.

Chiropractic Care for Newborns and Toddlers

Recently, several of my patients (especially soon to be moms) have come to me asking how soon they should bring their newborns for chiropractic care after being born? The answer is as soon as they want.  Many moms and dads want to take time to bond with their baby, and that’s completely fine! Your baby can wait until you feel ready. However, at times, some babies can go through trauma during birth. The labor process can place a great amount of stress on the infant as well as the mother. Chiropractic care shortly after birth can help to correct any issues caused during birth.  If baby seems to be colicky, tilting their neck to one side (torticollis), having latching problems, are example of symptoms newborns present that might be caused by restrictions on their bodies.

Infant adjustments are extremely gentle.  There is no audible (“cracking”). The pressure applied is comparable to the force you use if you place your finger on your eyelid and press gently. An adjustment on babies will look like sustained pressure, gentle massages, or small compression. We can also create movement by using an instrument called an activator.

Infant to Toddler

Later in life, when babies turn into toddlers, they start falling frequently. This is completely normal! But falling might start causing restrictions on the toddler’s body. For example, their neck or back can get tweaked a little after a fall. Regular chiropractic care can help to correct any structural restrictions resulting from daily activities such as learning how to walk, play time, and more.

It is never too early or too late to begin chiropractic care for your child. If you want to know more about chiropractic for infants and adults, you can contact me at drdelgado@clechiropractic.com.  I’m here to help!

Dr. Shirley