Baby Joy: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Lactation and Weaning
Breast milk is the ideal food for infant growth and development. Yet many new mothers suffer from insufficient milk production or thin, watery milk. Traditional Chinese medicine identifies two main types of insufficient lactation:
Qi and Blood Deficiency Type: Milk is derived from blood and depends on Qi for circulation. Factors such as constitutional weakness, excessive blood loss during childbirth, or inadequate postnatal nutrition lead to Qi and blood deficiency, resulting in insufficient milk production. Symptoms include thin or absent milk, soft breasts, fatigue, poor appetite, pale complexion, pale tongue with white coating, and weak pulse. Treatment involves replenishing Qi and blood while promoting lactation. Use modified Tong Ru Dan from *Fu Qingzhu’s Gynecology*: Huangqi 15g, Dangshen 15g, Chao Baizhu 10g, Danggui 12g, Shengdi and Shudihuang each 15g, Tongcao 6g, Jiegeng 10g. Prepare a decoction using pig trotter soup (or meat broth), skim off surface fat, then take the medicine.
Liver Qi Stagnation Type: Postpartum depression, emotional distress, or anger affecting the liver leads to impaired Qi flow, obstructing milk ducts and blocking milk passage. Main symptoms include reduced or absent milk, chest and rib distension, mild fever, poor appetite, and wiry, fine pulse. Treatment focuses on soothing the liver, regulating Qi, relieving depression, and promoting lactation. Use the author’s experience formula Xieyu Xia Ru Tang: Chaihu 10g, Danggui 12g, Baishao 12g, Danshen 15g, Chuanxiong 6g, Qingpi 6g, Loulu 10g, Xi Mu Tong 6g, Chuanshanjia 10g, Wangbuliuxing 10g, Si Guan Luo 12g, Jiegeng 6g, Gancao 4.5g. If breast pain with mild fever is present, add Pu Gong Ying, Quan Kua Lou, and Xia Ku Cao. Other herbs like Lulu Tong, Zhi Ke, Tian Hua Fen, and Bai Zhi can be added as needed.
If both Qi and blood deficiency and liver Qi stagnation are present, treat according to combined patterns. Additionally, during treatment for insufficient lactation, emotional adjustment is crucial—avoid irritability and depression. Improve diet by consuming soups made from crucian carp, pig trotters, hen, and red beans. Improve breastfeeding techniques: feed regularly, ensure baby firmly sucks the nipple and empties the breast (use hand expression or breast pump), and gently massage breasts with warm water (or scallion broth) to promote circulation.
Generally, weaning can occur around one year of age, or when work demands prevent further breastfeeding. Traditional Chinese medicine offers two approaches: systemic and local.
Systemic Treatment: Use 60g of raw barley sprouts, 12g of Cicada Slough, decoct and drink. Or use 15g of raw loquat leaf (remove hairs), 60g of raw barley sprouts, decoct and drink. Alternatively, use 60g of raw barley sprouts, 30g of hawthorn, 30g of Shenqu, decoct into tea-like liquid, drink daily. Each method is one dose per day.
Local Treatment: Use 300g of mirabilite packed in a cloth bag, apply after emptying milk, secure tightly on breasts; or dissolve 6g of alum in 1500g of hot water, let cool, then rub the breasts for 3 minutes. Follow with a clean towel soaked in alum solution for a warm compress on the breasts for 15 minutes, once nightly for three days. Milk production will significantly decrease, and breast engorgement disappears.
For women whose milk supply is already low, simply stopping breastfeeding and avoiding foods that promote lactation will gradually reduce and eventually stop milk production.