Do Chinese herbal medicines for increasing breast milk have any effect on newborn babies?
Oct 12, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Lactation promotion refers to stimulating milk secretion. In general, whether traditional Chinese herbs used for promoting lactation have an effect on newborn babies depends on the type of herb. Usually, women's bodies are relatively weak after childbirth. It is recommended to enhance nutritional intake in daily life and drink more soups, such as black-bone chicken soup or crucian carp soup, which can also help promote milk production.
Lactation promotion refers to enhancing milk secretion. In general, whether lactation-promoting traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) affect newborn babies depends on the specific type of herbal medicine used. The details are as follows:
1. No effect
Lactation-promoting TCMs are generally safe and effective. They typically do not negatively impact a newborn's intellectual development or physical growth. If a mother experiences low milk supply or insufficient lactation during breastfeeding, she may, under the guidance of a qualified physician, properly use lactation-promoting TCMs for regulation, thereby ensuring adequate energy and nutrition for the newborn. Commonly used TCM herbs for promoting lactation in clinical practice include Tong Cao (Herba Tetrapanacis), Wang Bu Liu Xing (Vaccariae Semen), and Lu Lu Tong (Liquidambaris Fructus). Additionally, compound preparations such as Compound Vaccaria Pill or Sheng Ru Zhi Oral Liquid can be selected appropriately to enhance milk production.
2. Potential effects
Because the components of TCMs are relatively complex, if certain toxic substances, heavy metals, or other harmful ingredients are present in the formula, or if the medication is used improperly—such as excessive dosage or overly frequent administration—harmful substances may enter the breast milk. If the newborn consumes such contaminated milk through breastfeeding, some components might enter the infant’s body and potentially cause adverse effects.
In general, postpartum women tend to have weakened physical conditions. It is therefore recommended to strengthen nutritional intake in daily life and consume more soups and broths, such as black-bone chicken soup or crucian carp soup, which also help promote milk secretion.
