Patient's question:
I had a cesarean section and only two months after giving birth, my milk supply has almost disappeared. How can I increase my milk production? Also, I got my period two months ago, is that normal? Will this affect breastfeeding my baby? Please help me with the answers! Thank you!Doctor's answer:
Hello: If you are considering ending breastfeeding early, if the milk supply is insufficient, you need to take measures to increase milk production. Regardless of the cause of insufficient milk supply, it is important to first encourage the breastfeeding mother to maintain confidence in breastfeeding, stay optimistic, and continue to breastfeed on schedule even if the milk supply is low. Proper arrangements should be made for diet and rest, avoiding overexertion and ensuring adequate sleep. The diet should be rich in nutrients, and you can drink more chicken soup, fish soup, rib soup, crucian carp soup, or pig trotter soup. Oral multivitamins should also be taken, and combined with Chinese and Western medicine or acupuncture treatment.(1) Common traditional Chinese medicine formulas include: 9g of Carthamus tinctorius, 12g of Manis crassicauda, 9g of Inula, 9g of Akebia, 9g of Angelica sinensis, 15g of Coptis chinensis, 20g of Codonopsis pilosula, and 15g of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Take one dose daily, decocted in water. You can also stew the traditional Chinese medicine with one pair of pig trotters.
(2) Western medicine can include taking 0.03g of thyroxine, 2-3 times daily, for 5 consecutive days.
(3) Acupuncture points that can be used include Waiquan, Shaoshao, Zusanli, and Hegu. Moxibustion can be applied to the Xuanzhong point.
During each breastfeeding session, both sides of the milk should be fully emptied, and any remaining milk should also be completely expressed. This can help increase milk production. If the mother's breast development is very poor, even with the above methods, there may be little effect. However, this is still a minority case.