The role of acupuncture in addressing postpartum hypogalactia (PH) has been a subject of interest, given its widespread use to boost maternal breast milk production. This comprehensive review assesses the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for PH by analyzing data from multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
The efficacy of acupuncture in increasing breast milk production among mothers suffering from postpartum hypogalactia (PH) is under scrutiny. Considering the importance of lactation on the health of both mother and infant, understanding the potential benefits of acupuncture could lead to improved postnatal care practices. This review examined various studies to determine whether acupuncture offers a reliable solution for enhancing milk production in new mothers.
Methodology and Data Collection
A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, to retrieve relevant RCTs published up to October 2023. Articles were meticulously screened, and data were extracted and analyzed by two independent reviewers using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB) tool. The primary outcome measured was the change in serum prolactin (PRL) levels, while secondary outcomes included milk secretion volume (MSV), total effective rate (TER), mammary fullness degree (MFD), and exclusive breastfeeding rate (EBR).
Results and Findings
The analysis included 19 RCTs involving a total of 2,400 participants. The findings revealed that acupuncture significantly increased serum PRL levels (SMD = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.50, 1.68), MSV (SMD = 1.69, 95% CI: 0.53, 2.86), TER (RR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.42), and EBR (RR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.78) compared to the control group. However, no notable difference was observed in MFD (SMD = 1.17, 95% CI: -0.09, 2.42).
Key Insights
– Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbs or conventional treatments is more effective in enhancing serum PRL levels, MSV, and TER than either Chinese herbs or conventional treatments alone.
– Acupuncture alone leads to significantly higher serum PRL levels compared to Chinese herbs, though this advantage does not extend to TER and MFD.
– The quality of evidence supporting these findings is critically low, indicating a need for more rigorously designed studies.
Although the results suggest that acupuncture could be beneficial in increasing milk production among mothers with PH, the overall quality of evidence is low. Therefore, further high-quality research is necessary to validate these findings and potentially inform clinical practices.
Original Article: PLoS One. 2024 Jun 6;19(6):e0303948. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303948. eCollection 2024. PMID: 38843204 | DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303948

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