Are there any risks associated with consuming lactation-enhancing traditional Chinese medicine during confinement?

During the postpartum recovery period, the physical condition of the mother is relatively poor, and it is essential to focus on nursing care. Sometimes, it may be necessary to take herbal medicine to promote lactation, which can stimulate milk secretion and avoid insufficient milk production that may affect breastfeeding. However, when using herbal medicine for lactation, it is crucial to be aware of some precautions. Improper use may have adverse effects on the mother's health, such as dependency and damage to the liver and kidneys.

Firstly, frequent breastfeeding is essential. First-time mothers who have not experienced breastfeeding may adopt inappropriate feeding methods, leading to slow or insufficient milk production. Mothers should allow their babies to suckle the nipple as early as possible. If the milk supply is low, they should encourage more sucking to stimulate the breasts to produce more milk.

Secondly, consuming lactation-enhancing foods can help. Foods such as crucian carp soup, pig's trotters, chicken soup, lean meat soup, egg drop soup, rib soup, eggs, millet porridge, soybeans, day lily, rice soup, papaya, soy milk, peanuts, and milk are all beneficial for lactation.

Thirdly, breast massage can be beneficial. Before massaging, clean the breasts and hands thoroughly to avoid bacterial infection. There are many techniques for breast massage, and here is a simple one:

1. Use the pads of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger to massage along the direction of the mammary ducts back and forth.
2. Massage the areola with the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, covering it as much as possible in a 360-degree motion until it softens.
3. Squeeze the area from the areola to the nipple using the pads of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
4. Support and vibrate the breast with one hand in a "C" shape, gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibration.