Ask the Expert: TCM perspective on increasing milk supply

Blocked milk ducts are commonly caused by : 1. Poor Breastfeeding management 2. Physical factors (such as ill-fitting bra) 3. Health conditions (such as Stagnation of Qi and Blood) TCM believes that the stagnation of Qi are reasons for causing blockages in the milk ducts. Hence we will recommend you to have meridian lactation massage and consumption of TCM herbs to help boost your Qi for a better flow of breastmilk. Do always keep a happy disposition and have ample rest and you will have a healthy milk flow. - Yen and Judy 💕

Hi Chervy, Yes, there are definitely. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that a low milk supply is attributed by either a deficiency of qi and blood, or stagnation of liver qi. This results in insufficient breast milk production (deficiency in qi and blood) and obstruction or thickening of breast milk. From a TCM perspective, working to balance the Qi and enhancing blood circulation helps mothers to maintain good health and produce more milk. There are some nutritious TCM herbs and Pro-Lactation soup that can help you to regain your energy. These can also provide you a better recovery and increase your milk supply as they help to build your energy and blood. - Tong Cao 通草 - Huang Qi 黄芪 - Dan Sheng 党参 - Dang Gui 当归 - Jie Geng 桔梗 - Mai Dong 麦冬 - Yen and Judy 💕

Hi Chervy, Yes, do take that the herbs mentioned below are to be avoided if you are breastfeeding, especially if your baby is having G6PD deficiency. - Jin Yin hua (金银花） - Niu huang （牛黄） - Huang lian （黄连） - La mei hua (腊梅花） - Zhen zhu (珍珠） Remember to inform your Chinese Physician that you are breastfeeding so as to ensure that you can continue to consume herbs that are safe for breastfeeding. - Yen and Judy 💕

Yes, definitely. From a TCM perspective, acupuncture stimulates the breast milk production by balancing the body’s digestive system(调理脾胃， 疏肝理气). In TCM Methodology, the Breast is linked to the Stomach meridian point, Zu San Li acupoint (足三里穴）and the Nipple is linked to Liver meridian point, Tai Chong acupoint (太冲穴）are primary drivers for a good healthy breast milk supply. - Yen and Judy 💕

Have you just delivered and in your early days of breastfeeding? If it is, this is a common early stage of breastfeeding issues when your milk production has increased and your breasts are not regulated, hence you are experiencing the fullness of your breasts and difficulty in emptying your breasts well. It is commonly known as engorgement. If you have been breastfeeding for quite some time now, for example a couple of months, this is a symptom of prolonged engorgement, which means it has been a long while since you’ve emptied your breast and it is filled with milk. For both cases, do empty your breasts as soon as possible. Using a warm compression and gentle massage before emptying your breasts will help milk flow easier. Followed with a cold cabbage compress after that will help ease off pain and some swelling. From the TCM perspective, this is also caused by liver and qi stagnation which consuming of chinese herbs, lactation treatment massage and even acupuncture will help to i

Hi Lidya, The solution here is to rectify blocked ducts first, then increase milk supply. If we were to increase milk supply first, issues of blocked milk ducts will be more severe. To prevent blocked ducts, it will be important to ensure ample rest and good intake of nutritious food. Avoid fatty, oily food, fried and spicy food. Chives that are known to reduce breast milk supply. Do come in for a personalised consultation with us so we can help to identify the root of the problem in order to address and solve it one by one. - Yen and Judy 💕

Hi Lidya, Liver and Qi stagnation is the main diagnosis of recurring blocked ducts. Mommies who are sleep deprived and feeling often depressed could contribute to the recurrence. Hence, mommies will need to take care of own’s emotional state of being and try to relax and not be too stressed. When a mommy eats well, rest well, feels good, the blocked ducts issue will not resurface! - Yen and Judy 💕