Can a breastfeeding mother consume Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin)?

Ejiao cake has a sweet taste and a sticky texture, and exhibits excellent hemostatic effects. It is commonly used to treat various hemorrhagic conditions—including hematemesis, hematuria, hematochezia, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis, as well as antepartum bleeding during pregnancy—with reliable efficacy. It is especially suitable for individuals presenting with hemorrhage accompanied by symptoms of yin deficiency or blood deficiency. So, can postpartum women consume Ejiao while breastfeeding? Let’s explore this further below.

Can postpartum women consume Ejiao while breastfeeding?

Yes, postpartum women may safely consume Ejiao while breastfeeding. Ejiao does not adversely affect lactation; on the contrary, it effectively alleviates postpartum anemia and enhances both maternal and infant immune function—without any negative impact on breastfeeding. Therefore, postpartum women can confidently take Ejiao orally.

During childbirth, women inevitably lose substantial amounts of blood, placing them at high risk for hemorrhagic anemia. If using Ejiao to replenish blood, it is advisable to wait until lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge) has completely ceased. After several days of Ejiao consumption, if no further lochia appears, it is safe to continue taking Ejiao.

At this stage, Ejiao not only effectively improves maternal anemia but also boosts the immune function of both mother and child, without causing any adverse effects on breastfeeding.

Who should avoid consuming Ejiao cake?

1. Individuals with pronounced dampness accumulation

If you frequently experience dry mouth, fatigue, abdominal distension, or irregular bowel movements, consider undergoing medical evaluation to determine whether internal damp-heat is present. Key clinical indicators include thick, greasy, yellowish, or whitish tongue coating. Additionally, since Ejiao cake promotes blood circulation, it should be avoided immediately following injury; wait until the wound has fully scabbed over before consumption.

2. Individuals with yin deficiency and hyperactivity of fire

Ejiao cake may exacerbate heart-fire and liver-fire, potentially triggering a constellation of yin-deficiency symptoms—including afternoon fever, tidal fever with night sweats, flushed cheeks, heat sensations in the palms, soles, and chest (“five-center heat”), weight loss, insomnia, and vivid dreams. If you are prone to excessive internal heat, appropriate regulation and treatment should precede Ejiao cake consumption to prevent discomfort or harm to your health.

We hope the above information is helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!