The Use, Perceived Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal Galactagogues During Breastfeeding

A Qualitative Study

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15500331
AutoresTin Fei Sim (0000-0003-0068-5006, Curtin University, autor de correspondencia), Laetitia Hattingh (0000-0002-4553-743X, Curtin University), Jill Sherriff (0000-0002-4283-958X, Curtin University), Jillian Sherriff (Curtin University), Lisa Tee (0000-0003-1542-9785, Curtin University)
Año2015
Volumen12
Número9
Páginas11050-11071
Fecha de publicación2015-09-07
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph120911050
PMID26371019
OpenAlexW1485276058
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas6
Referencias citadas42

The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding as the normal infant feeding method and that infants being breastfed should be regarded as the control group or norm reference in all instances. There are many factors which could contribute to a new mother ceasing breastfeeding early, with the most commonly reported reason being perceived insufficient breast milk supply. The use of herbal galactagogues is increasingly common worldwide. Literature review identified a need for more research in the area of herbal galactagogue use during breastfeeding. Twenty in-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with breastfeeding women who used herbal galactagogues, to document use and explore their perceived effectiveness and safety of herbal galactagogues. Several indicators of breastfeeding adequacy were mentioned as participants described their experiences with the use of herbal galactagogues. Confidence and self-empowerment emerged as an over-arching theme linked to positive experiences with the use of herbal galactagogues. Despite the lack of clinical trial data on the actual increase in measured volume of breast milk production, indicators of breastfeeding adequacy boosted participants' confidence levels and resulted in psychological benefits. This study highlighted the importance of considering the potential psychological benefits of using herbal galactagogues, and how this translates into breastfeeding adequacy

Alternative medicine · Breast feeding · Breast milk · Breastfeeding · Empowerment · Environmental health · Family medicine · Qualitative research · Traditional medicine · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences · Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Medicine · Nursing · Pediatrics