Hypogalactia refers to the insufficient secretion of milk after childbirth, which cannot meet the needs of the baby or is absent altogether. Normal women start lactating 12 hours after childbirth, and it increases significantly 2-3 days later. Insufficient lactation often occurs between the 2nd and 3rd day after childbirth until half a month later, and it can also occur throughout the entire lactation period.
In clinical practice, it is common to encounter new mothers with low milk production. Blood loss and physical exhaustion during delivery can lead to deficiency of Qi and blood, resulting in insufficient milk production. I have applied massage therapy to treat this condition, and the clinical results have been satisfactory.
The patient lies in a supine position, and the therapist stands on one side of the patient. The thumb presses on the roots of the breasts, Yingu, Tanzhong, and Tianxi acupoints for 1-2 minutes, and then both thumbs and index fingers push and lift the above-mentioned acupoints in the center of the breasts for 1-3 times. The palms of both hands exert force from the sides of the breasts towards the nipples, massaging and rubbing 3-5 times. The left hand supports the breast, while the right hand uses the index and ring fingers to massage along the direction of the lobules from the bottom of the breast towards the nipple, massaging each side for 15-20 minutes. Squeeze and press the nipples horizontally and vertically 3-5 times. Press the distal points of Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, Piyu, and Weiyu acupoints for 1-3 minutes. Once a day, usually effective after 1-5 times.
"Ning Kun's Secrets: Volume on Lactation" states: "To treat postpartum lack of milk... eat milk at any time, and the mother should massage her breasts more than a thousand times, and the milk will flow." Breast massage can promote blood circulation. Gentle breast massage helps stimulate the milk ejection reflex. The nipples, areolas, and milk ducts are rich in nerve endings and have tactile receptors. Through stimulation, excitations are transmitted to the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, causing the secretion of prolactin, strengthening the milk ejection reflex, and enhancing milk production. Postpartum massage of the breasts is safe, effective, and convenient. If a mother does not breastfeed on time or becomes too tired, resulting in insufficient milk production, it is not a pathological condition. Simply pay attention to rest and breastfeed on time, and the milk supply will naturally be sufficient.
