Patient's question:
1. Now it's been 7 days postpartum, but my milk isn't very thick. When will it become thick? The baby seems to always be hungry.2. The baby has bitten one of the nipple holes so badly that it's torn, but there's no bleeding, just a lot of pain. Can I still let the baby feed from this side? If not, what can I do to fix it?
Doctor's answer:
Hello: If a lactating woman's milk supply is insufficient, methods should be taken to increase milk production. First, identify the reason for the insufficient milk supply and boost confidence, maintain a positive attitude, and continue to breastfeed even if the amount is small. Arrange a proper diet and lifestyle, avoid excessive fatigue, and ensure a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Drink more fluids, such as milk, soy milk, or vitamin supplements. Additionally, combine with Chinese medicine or acupuncture treatment.(1) Common Chinese herbal formulas include:
- TCM Formula: 10 grams of Fenugreek, 12 grams of Rayless Rhubarb, 9 grams of Eucommia ulmoides, 9 grams of Prunella vulgaris, 9 grams of Polygonum aviculare, 15 grams of Bupleurum, 10 grams of Angelica sinensis, and 5 grams of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Take once daily, decocted with water for oral administration.
(2) Western medicine: Take 0.03 grams of Domperidone, 2-3 times daily, for 5 days.
(3) Acupuncture points that can be stimulated include: External Gallbladder 21, Shaohai (HT3), Hegu (LI4), and Moxibustion on the center of the chest (Shanzhong).