Do people with anemia have less milk?

Anemia is a relatively common condition. Many people often experience anemia. However, for many special groups, when anemia occurs, timely relief and treatment are needed. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, if they suffer from anemia, it will not only affect their own health but also have many effects on the baby. Anemia in breastfeeding mothers will also cause insufficient milk.

Does anemia affect breast milk supply?

Anemia is called Qi and blood deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine. The key to the normal operation of various functions of a woman's body depends on the nourishment of Qi and blood. If Qi and blood are sufficient, the body and milk will flow smoothly. Anemia causes the body functions to not function normally, which in turn affects the body's anterior pituitary cells' secretion of prolactin and the posterior pituitary neurons' production of oxytocin. However, the secretion of milk is produced by the interaction of prolactin and oxytocin. Due to the anemia of pregnant women, prolactin and oxytocin cannot be secreted normally, and breast milk is naturally insufficient.

Anemia during breastfeeding

Baby anemia

The most common period for physiological anemia in babies is 3-4 months after birth. The iron stored in the mother's womb during the fetal stage has long been used up. If the mother is anemic, the copper content in the secreted breast milk will be lower, and it will not be able to provide enough iron for the baby, and the baby will be more prone to anemia.

Not easy to repair

Mothers with anemia have poor resistance and are very prone to illness. They should not breastfeed at will after becoming ill. Mothers with more severe anemia may also suffer from problems such as uterine prolapse, endocrine disorders after giving birth, and prolonged menstruation.

Anemia treatment methods

Medicinal supplements:

You can use iron supplements, Siwu Decoction or Bazhen Decoction. For specific conditions, you need to ask a Chinese medicine doctor to diagnose and prescribe for you.

Diet therapy:

Ensure that your daily diet is diverse and nutritious. At the same time, eat more liver, egg yolk, etc. to promote blood production. Other foods such as jujube and red beans are also good for blood production.