The Causes of Insufficient Breast Milk and Approach to it: Perspectives of Persian Medicine and Classical Medicine

Breast milk is the first natural food for infants up to 6 months. Insufficient Milk Supply (IMS) is the most common of its discontinuation, which despite efforts, is still at the top of the problems of exclusive breastfeeding. Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) proposed specific approaches for successful lactation, prevention and treatment of breastfeeding problems. This study focused on the causes and approaches to IMS based on ITM and compare it with Classical Medicine.

In this review article the causes and treatments of IMS were searched from ITM references and were analyzed and compared along with studies from ITM and Classical Medicine which collected from medical databases.

Lactation is a neuro-hormonal process that is affected by several psychological and physical factors. The close relationship between the breast, uterus and brain has been proven in both medical doctrines. Causes of IMS can be classified into two main categories: causes of milk-producing source (good blood) and milk-producing organ (breast). Therefor treatment is mainly based on the good blood production through proper nutrition and the other healthy lifestyle principles (Hifz-o-Sihhe), eliminating distemperament and using galactogogues foods and herbal medicines. From the Classical Medicine perspective, the most important cause of IMS is the lack of adequate milk removal often due to improper lactation techniques so the correction of breastfeeding skills and improvement of mother-infant relationship is notable in management of IMS.

By using the ITM perspective along with teaching of breastfeeding skills based on Classical Medicine, more effective management of IMS will be approached.