The results of a pilot study by Italian researchers on acupuncture and breastfeeding, suggest that it can support women in maintaining breastfeeding for longer. Ninety women were randomly allocated to receive either acupuncture or simple observation. The acupuncture group received treatment twice a week for three weeks. The observation group made weekly visits to the clinic for a midwife to observe breastfeeding and give routine care.
After three weeks, 100% of women in the acupuncture group were breastfeeding exclusively, whereas only 60% of women in the observation group were doing so. At the point at which the babies were three months old, there remained a significant difference between the two groups, with breastfeeding continuing at 35% in the acupuncture group, and 15% in the observation group.
(Acupuncture Treatment as Breastfeeding Support: Preliminary Data. Journal of Altern Complementary Med, Feb 2011.)
Author: Robin Costello
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training.
I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.
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