CASE STUDY : Milk Supply and Let Down Response

Introduction

The let-down reflex response is what makes breastmilk flow. When your baby sucks at the breast, tiny nerves are stimulated. This causes two hormones – prolactin and oxytocin – to be released into your bloodstream. Prolactin helps make the milk, while oxytocin causes the breast to push out the milk.

Presentation

She fell pregnant naturally with her second pregnancy. I supported her during the pregnancy to boost her energy and help her prepare for a natural labour.

Treatment

MILK SUPPLY & LET DOWN RESPONSE

A client called me three months after bub was born, as she wanted to increase her milk supply and reduce high stress levels. Her supply was very low and she was upset she might have to stop breast feeding. She was only managing to feed at night and using a pump during the day.

She reported that after one acupuncture treatment she had several successful feeds and felt less anxious. I continued to see her weekly to calm her mind, build up her energy and blood which produces the milk supply in Chinese medicine theory. Her let down improved and supply continued to increase. She now feels more relaxed, knowing her baby is getting the nutrients he requires from her breast milk.