Lactation Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Lactation?

Lactation is the process of producing milk. Humans produce and release milk from the mammary glands located in the breasts. During pregnancy, milk-making tissues grow. After giving birth, pregnancy hormone levels lower, allowing the lactation hormone prolactin to be released. This hormone sends a signal to your breasts to make milk.

What Is Lactation Support?

Lactation support can look like a lot of different things and can come from healthcare professionals, including lactation consultants, partners, and friends. Support with physical challenges like producing more milk and reducing pumping pain can be accomplished through acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. These treatments can also help improve overall mood and reduce stress.

What Helps With Lactation?

Lactation help can involve physical help like improving breast milk supply and pain reduction. It can also involve mental help like lowering stress levels and improving mood.  Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help on all of those fronts. We work with you to find a holistic approach to finding what helps you lactate.

How To Stimulate Lactation

Lactation stimulation happens automatically for most mothers. After giving birth, the lactation hormone prolactin is released, which sends a message to your breasts to start milk production. To continue milk production you should feed your baby whenever they are hungry, offer both breasts during feedings, and empty the breasts. Feeding often will keep your milk supply up.

Can Acupuncture Stimulate Lactation?

Yes, acupuncture can promote milk production and increase the breast milk supply. Acupuncture nourishes the yin and fluids of the body to promote milk production.

Does Herbal Medicine Help With Lactation?

Yes, herbal medicine can help lactation by promoting milk production and improving breast milk supply.

How To Stimulate Breast for Lactation

Breastfeeding your baby may be enough to keep your milk supply up but if your baby is not getting enough milk during feedings, pumping or expressing between feeding sessions can help. If you are away from your baby for a time it is also a good idea to pump or express to build up your milk supply. During feedings, hold your baby close and massage your breasts to encourage the “let down reflex.” Consult your healthcare provider for specific tips if needed.

What Hormone Stimulates Lactation?

Prolactin is released after giving birth which signals to the breasts to produce milk. The hormone oxytocin makes the small muscles in the breasts contract so the milk can move down through the milk ducts.

When Do Pregnant Women Start Lactating?

Pregnant women start lactating during the second trimester. First, estrogen and progesterone cause your milk ducts to grow in number and size. Then the body starts producing breast milk. The first type of breast milk is called colostrum which is usually thick and yellowish and contains high amounts of proteins and antibodies to strengthen your baby’s immune system.

How Early Can You Start Lactating During Pregnancy?

Lactation begins in the second trimester (14-26 weeks).

Can a Woman Lactate Without Pregnancy?

Yes, a woman can lactate without being pregnant. This is usually accomplished by a healthcare provider prescribing hormone-mimicking medications for several months so the person can produce milk. It is a complex process and requires medical supervision. Additionally, both women and men can lactate (produce a milky substance) from one or both nipples without being pregnant. This condition is called galactorrhea.

Is Lactating a Sign of Pregnancy?

Lactating is a sign that pregnancy has entered into its second trimester. However, both women and men can lactate without being pregnant. This condition is called galactorrhea.

What Foods Help With Lactation?

There are not one or two foods to stimulate lactation, rather a balanced diet is the best course to take when breastfeeding. Eating a balanced diet will help promote milk production, give you energy, and diversifying foods will change the flavor of your breast milk. This exposure to different flavors may help your baby more easily transition to solid foods. Make sure you’re getting enough protein, fruits, vegetables, and staying hydrated. Also, eliminate or reduce intake of caffeine and alcohol.

Does Beer Help With Lactation

Alcohol, including beer, does not help with lactation or increase milk production. It is recommended that breastfeeding women limit alcohol intake.

How Much Milk Should a Lactating Mother Drink?

There is no recommended amount of milk that breastfeeding women need to consume. It is a good idea to maintain a healthy diet during this time which includes staying hydrated.

Do Lactation Cookies Work

Lactation cookies have not been scientifically proven to improve breast milk supply. Consult your healthcare provider if you believe you are not producing enough milk for your baby.

Do Lactation Smoothies Work?

Lactation smoothies can be a good way to get the nutrients and vitamins needed for a healthy diet. However, lactation smoothies have not been proven to promote milk production. Consult your healthcare provider if you believe you are not producing enough milk for your baby.

Is Ibuprofen Safe During Lactation?

Ibuprofen is considered safe to use during breastfeeding. Only very small amounts of ibuprofen get into the breastmilk and it is unlikely to cause any negative effects on your baby. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen.

How To Reduce Lactation

If you believe you are producing too much milk you can try feeding while lying on your back. This position gives your baby more control over milk flow. You can also try expressing a tiny bit of milk between feedings to relieve pressure. Consult your healthcare provider if you believe you are producing too much milk.

How To Stop Lactation

Stop lactation or stop your milk supply by stopping feedings. Once you signal to your body that you no longer need milk by stopping feedings your body will stop producing breast milk.

Can a Woman Lactate After Menopause?

Yes, a woman may still lactate after menopause. Milk production may still occur if the woman has a functioning pituitary gland.

Can You Lactate After Hysterectomy?

Yes, lactation is possible after a hysterectomy because milk production is not controlled by the uterus or ovaries.

Can Trans Women Lactate?

Yes, trans women and nonbinary individuals may still lactate. Hormones prolactin and oxytocin that are responsible for milk production and milk release are released from the pituitary gland at the base of both the male and female brains.

Can Acupuncture Help promote lactation?

Yes, acupuncture can help promote lactation and improve milk production. Acupuncture treatments nourish the yin and fluids of the body to help promote milk production. Treatments can also reduce pumping pain, improve overall mood, and lower stress levels.

Can Chinese Herbal Medicine Be Used To promote lactation?

Yes, there are Chinese herbs and formulas that can promote lactation. Some helpful herbs can be found in foods and can simply be added to your diet. After an herbal consultation, we can determine if Chinese herbs are right for you.