Effect of a herbal galactagogic formula combined with auricular acupressure on breast milk production and hormonal profiles in women with postpartum hypogalactia: A randomized controlled study

Kai Li, Dongyan Cai, Zhihua Gao, Xuemei Liang, Dong Zhang, Yufeng Niu

Abstract

Postpartum hypogalactia is a common condition that may impair breastfeeding and maternal–infant health. This randomized controlled study evaluated the efficacy of a herbal galactagogic decoction combined with auricular acupressure in improving lactation outcomes. A total of 104 women with postpartum hypogalactia were enrolled between July 2023 and June 2025 and randomly assigned to a control group (auricular acupressure alone, n=52) or an intervention group (auricular acupressure plus herbal decoction, n=52) for 2 weeks. Primary outcomes included breast milk production and formula supplementation, while secondary outcomes comprised serum hormone levels (estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin), symptom scores, psychological status, and clinical effectiveness. Both groups showed significant post-treatment improvements (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the intervention group demonstrated lower estradiol and progesterone levels, higher prolactin levels, increased milk production, and reduced formula supplementation (P<0.05). Symptom scores and anxiety/depression levels were also significantly improved. The overall effective rate was higher in the intervention group (96.15% vs 80.77%, P<0.05), with comparable safety profiles. This combined therapy appears to be a safe and effective complementary approach for improving lactation in women with postpartum hypogalactia.

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References

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