How acupuncture can benefit breastfeeding: An encouraging testimonial

I was a patient at Acupuncture Healthcare after the birth of my second child.  I was experiencing low milk supply after many efforts to prevent it, both pre-nataly and post-nataly.  I went to great efforts to boost my supply including; Lactation Consultant visits (pre and post natal), herbs (pre and post natal), relaxation techniques, massage therapy, nutrition, hand expression, pumping, support groups, and most other recommendations I have come across.  I had a low supply with my first child and was determined to give my second child only breast milk.  I had a wonderful home birth with no complications.  I had lots of love and support after birthing and really focused on feeding my baby.  Even with all my efforts I was still coming up a little short on fulfilling the babies’ needs.  My Lactation Consultant, Barbara Robertson, suggested seeing Monica Leibson at Acupuncture Healthcare.  I had had acupuncture in the past, but never committed to consistent sessions.  I started seeing Monica every week.  After the first session I felt less stressed and had more of an “ok! I can do this!”  kind of attitude toward my new life as a mother of two.  After the second session I not only felt less stress, but my “baby blues” were gone!  I didn’t even know I had them until they went away!  The day after my second session my milk supply increased!  I actually felt “full” for the first time ever!  I was able to feed my baby and satisfy her for the first time.  She was gulping milk with such satisfaction and was in tears.  For any Mother that is committed to breast feeding their baby will understand the feeling one gets while nurturing her baby.  What a gift.  I contribute my milk supply boost to my dedication to acupuncture.  I took Monica’s advice and committed to the number of sessions she recommended.  In return I received what I was working so hard to achieve.  I am so thankful for her expertise and support as a practitioner and friend.

–          Erin B, Ann Arbor MI

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Monica Mae Leibson, Acupuncturist & Birth/Postpartum Doula

Specializing in the childbearing year

Understanding Breastfeeding and Acupuncture

Acupuncture successfully treats:

• Mastitis
• Insufficient Lactation
• Postpartum Depression
• Persistent Uterine Bleeding
• Afterpains

Breastfeeding and Acupuncture Research Conclusions

1. “Infants whose mothers received Acupuncture weighed 160.13 grams more on average than those whose mothers received Sham Acupuncture. This effect is marginally significant.  The finding generally confirms that Acupuncture for the mother is effective in increasing infant weight gain.” (27 mothers)
2. “Data suggests that 3 weeks of acupuncture treatment were more effective than observation alone in maintaining breastfeeding until the third month of the newborns’ lives.” (90 mothers)
3. “Acupuncture, together with care interventions such as correction of breast feeding position and babies’ attachment to the breast, might be a more expedient and less invasive choice of treatment than the use of medication”.  (205 mothers)

Acupuncture & Breastfeeding Research Citations:

1.  Li, Ke (2003) A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effect of Acupuncture on Increasing Milk Supply of Lactating Mothers. Coursework Master thesis, Victoria University.
2. Acupuncture Research by Adrian White.  Published in Acupuncture in Medicine June 2011
3. “Acupuncture and Inflammatory Symptoms related to Breastfeeding” Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Helsingborg Hospital and Faculty of Social and Life Sciences, Karlstad University in Sweden.  [Journal: Midwifery. 2007 Jun;23(2):184-95. Epub 2006 Oct 18.]