ABSTRACT:

Introduction: Optimal breast milk production is essential for supporting infant nutrition and maternal well-being. However, many mothers experience challenges in producing sufficient breast milk, which can lead to early weaning and reduced breastfeeding success. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine therapy, is increasingly used as a complementary intervention to enhance lactation by stimulating specific meridian points believed to influence hormonal and glandular functions.
Methods: This study employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture in enhancing breast milk production among postpartum women. Literature searches were conducted using reputable academic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink, with relevant keywords such as “acupuncture,” “lactation,” and “breastfeeding.” Inclusion criteria covered quantitative studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental designs, or mixed-methods research that involved acupuncture interventions and measured outcomes such as breast milk volume, breastfeeding frequency, or lactation-related hormone levels. The article selection process followed the PRISMA flow diagram, and study quality was assessed using the CASP or JBI tools. Data were analyzed narratively and thematically.
Results: Of the 22 studies reviewed, 19 reported statistically significant increases in breast milk production following acupuncture interventions. In many cases, increased expressed milk volume was observed within the first week of treatment, particularly when acupuncture was combined with regular breastfeeding support. Several studies also documented elevated serum levels of prolactin and oxytocin, reinforcing the physiological mechanisms underlying enhanced lactation. Additionally, acupuncture was reported to alleviate symptoms associated with lactation difficulties, such as breast engorgement, nipple pain, and emotional stress. The studies further indicated an increased proportion of mothers achieving exclusive breastfeeding up to 4–8 weeks postpartum. However, a few studies found no significant differences, possibly due to short intervention durations, small sample sizes, or variations in acupuncture techniques and points used. Despite heterogeneity in study design and outcomes, the findings generally support the effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for improving breastfeeding success.
Conclusion: Acupuncture at lactation-specific points has been shown to effectively increase breast milk production and improve both physiological and psychological aspects of breastfeeding in postpartum women. While these results are promising, further randomized controlled trials with more rigorous designs, standardized protocols, and long-term follow-up are needed to strengthen the integration of acupuncture into clinical lactation practices.

KEYWORDS :

acupuncture, lactation, breast milk production, postpartum women, prolactin, oxytocin, complementary therapy.

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