[Effect of electroacupuncture at Shaoze (SI 1) on breast milk volume and composition in postpartum hypogalactia]

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at Shaoze (SI 1) on breast milk volume and nutrient composition in postpartum hypogalactia.

Methods: A total of 62 women with postpartum hypogalactia were randomized into an observation group (31 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (31 cases, 3 cases dropped off). Electroacupuncture was exerted at Shaoze (SI 1) in the observation group and at Shangyang (LI 1) in the control group, 10 Hz in frequency, 30 min each time, once a day. The treatment for 5 times as one course and 3 courses of treatment were required totally. Separately, before treatment and at the end of 1 course and 3 courses of treatment, the breast milk volume was measured and the composition was analyzed. The breast milk volume, nutrient composition (lactose, fat and protein), breast milk energy and density were observed in the two groups. After treatment, the clinical effect was compared between the two groups.

Results: In the observation group, after 1 course of treatment, the breast milk volume and the values of lactose and protein in the breast milk were increased as compared with those before treatment, the breast milk energy and density were increased as compared with those before treatment (all P<0.05). After 3 courses of treatment, the breast milk volume and the values of nutrient composition (lactose, fat and protein) were improved as compared with those before treatment, and the breast milk energy and density were increased obviously as compared with those before treatment in the observation group (all P<0.05). In the control group, after 1 course and 3 courses of treatment, only breast milk volume was increased obviously as compared with that before treatment (both P<0.05). After 1 course of treatment, the nutrient composition (lactose and protein), breast milk energy and density in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). After 3 courses of treatment, the levels of breast milk volume, nutrient composition (lactose, fat and protein), breast milk energy and density in the observation group were all higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The effective rate was 92.9% (26/28) in the observation group, which was higher than 17.9% (5/28) in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Electroacupuncture at Shaozhe (SI 1) increases breast milk volume in patients with postpartum hypogalactia and promotes the production of the nutrient composition in breast milk, as well as the breast milk energy and density.