1
Qi-blood deficiency
- Key distinguishing signs
- Scanty thin milk, soft painless breasts, fatigue, pallor and poor appetite, pale tongue
- Treatment principle
- Tonify qi and blood to promote lactation
Women's Healthchǎn hòu quē rǔ
Low breast-milk supply
Also called:insufficient milkhypogalactia
From the TCM perspective: Low milk: qi-blood deficiency or stagnation blocking the ducts
Overview
Low milk supply worries breastfeeding mothers; much of it improves with more effective drainage and good latch support. TCM sees postnatal qi-blood deficiency (weak production with fatigue and pallor, soft breasts) or qi/damp stagnation blocking milk ducts (full aching breasts despite little output).
☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)
2
Liver qi stagnation blocking ducts
- Key distinguishing signs
- Full tense painful breasts with little milk, tense mood and headache, wiry pulse
- Treatment principle
- Soothe liver qi and open the milk ducts
3
Damp-phlegm obstruction
- Key distinguishing signs
- Heavy/lumpy breasts with fatigue, fog and a greasy coat, often a heavier build, slippery pulse
- Treatment principle
- Drain damp-phlegm and open the ducts
4
Local duct blockage
- Key distinguishing signs
- A focal tender red patch or blocked duct with intermittent output, which may progress to mastitis
- Treatment principle
- Warm, gently massage and drain frequently
Daily self-care
- Nurse/pump 8-12 times in 24 hours with a correct deep latch; get lactation support.
- Ensure full drainage, use warm gentle compression before feeds, and maintain fluids, calories and rest.
- Do not pile on galactagogue herbs during breastfeeding without a qualified practitioner.
When to seek medical help
The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:
- A red painful breast patch with fever or flu-like symptoms (mastitis).
- A persistent fixed lump or nipple/skin change.
- Dehydrated infant with fewer than six wet diapers/24h or concerning weight loss.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.