Effect of Acupuncture on Hypogalactia

The specific aims are (1) to assess the feasibility of a RCT studying acupuncture's impact on breast milk production, and (2) to compare the difference of milk production between acupuncture and power pumping. The study approach will be a two-site prospective, non-blinded, two-arm randomized clinical trial conducted in Lubbock and Amarillo as a collaborative effort between researchers and clinicians in the departments of Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Ob/Gyn. An estimated 60 eligible mothers will be recruited and enrolled in the study from both sites. The participants will be randomized 1:1 into either the intervention group or the comparison group. The intervention group will receive three standardized acupuncture sessions, based on previous studies done in China and investigators' practice protocol, in 5 days and the comparison group will perform power pumping in 5 days per provided manual and guidance. The primary outcome is changes of breast milk production and it will be measured by weighing the grams/volume of milk expressed with an electric breast pump over time. The secondary outcome is changes of plasma prolactin and it will be measured by immunoassay. Data will be collected at baseline, right after interventions and two week after interventions to compare the difference of the outcomes. The findings of this study will provide insight to establish a RCT protocol to assess acupuncture's impact on hypogalactia. It may also help establish evidence of acupuncture use for hypogalactia.