Complementary Therapies for Induced Lactation

Abstract

        Inducing lactation for mothers is one of the nurse’s roles in promoting breastfeeding. Non-milk supply or low milk supply can be caused by several factors including the physical and mental health status of mothers, neonatal health status and environmental factors. In addition to conventional means in which lactation is induced by frequent, rapid and appropriate neonatal sucking, complementary therapies such as healthy food and herb consumption, breast massage and hot compression, acupressure, hand and foot reflexology can be applied to increase milk supply. Thus, nurses should gain knowledge into complementary therapies in order to enhance induced lactation and to provide useful alternative recommendations for mothers. This article describes the mechanism of lactogenesis, causes of lactation deficiency and roles of nurse in promoting breastfeeding through complementary therapies.