Anti-Infective Plants Used for Lactation and Postpartum Recovery: Exploration of a Sub-Saharan–North African Dichotomy

Cordeiro, Lorraine; Johns, Timothy; Peterman, Jerusha Nelson; Sibeko, Lindiwe

doi:10.1021/bk-2020-1361.ch009

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 254 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…19 As noted in our FGD results, traditional beliefs and practices regarding pregnancy and childbirth are typically passed down across generations. [15][16][17]31 As such, refugee families may bene t from intergenerational sharing of such practices, thus placing a premium on elderly and ancestral wisdom. 16…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…14 Traditional postpartum practices draw on historical knowledge of medicinal plants in part related to antimicrobial, antiin ammatory, and other health bene ts. [15][16] Within Cambodian culture, several traditional practices are encouraged for the protection of maternal and child health. 17 Sra thnam (translation: wine medicine) is a botanical (i.e.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…17,18 Consumption of sra thnam during the postpartum period is believed to promote milk production, warm the mother's body, and help "clean" the reproductive system, 12,17 potentially important health bene ts for women during and after the vulnerable period of pregnancy. [15][16] However, depending on alcohol concentration combined with the frequency of intake, pre-and postnatal consumption of sra thnam may pose maternal health risks, particularly given reports of preparation with vodka or cognac in the U.S. 12,19 Because traditional practices are not considered in health screenings by medical providers in the U.S., 12 there is a fundamental gap in understanding how postpartum practices, such as the use of sra thnam, has been adapted for medical purposes by the Cambodian community. To our knowledge, the associations between sra thnam, as a maternal health practice, and socio-demographic factors and poverty indicators have not been previously examined in the literature.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices of a Cambodian Traditional Postpartum Medicine, Sra Thnam, among Cambodian Women (15-30 Years) Living in Massachusetts.

Cordeiro

Ahnan-Winarno

Dou

et al. 2022

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Cambodian refugees arrived in the U.S. with limited English proficiency, low educational attainment, poor health status, and significant trauma. Combined with poor healthcare access, this fostered an environment for continued reliance on cultural health practices. Maternal health, including the postpartum period, was particularly influenced by traditional Cambodian medicine. This study investigated associations between sociodemographic factors and Cambodian women’s knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to sra thnam, a traditional postpartum medicine used in the Cambodian diaspora. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with Cambodian women ages 15-35 years (N=162) living in Massachusetts. A community-academic team developed study materials and administered surveys and focus groups on knowledge, beliefs, and use of sra thnam. Focus group discussions were entered into NVivo 10. Survey data was analyzed using Stata version 14.0 and SPSS version 27. A series of statistical analyses were performed to assess associations between participant use of sra thnam and socio-demographic, health, and psychometric factors. Results: Knowledge of sra thnam was almost universal (92%), with 44% these participants reporting ever consuming it. Pregnant women (N=56) reported not having consumed sra thnam during the current pregnancy and after childbirth, 52% reported an intention to consume sra thnam, 42.9% did not, and 5.4% were uncertain. After adjusting for covariates, being born in the U.S., having at least one child, older age, and larger households were predictive of ever consuming sra thnam. Conclusion: These findings show traditional postpartum knowledge and practices are common among Cambodian women living in the U.S. These practices may have benefits, as well as pose some risks, for maternal health. Given that perceptions of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences are nested in culture, it is important that healthcare providers are aware of traditional health beliefs and practices in refugee and immigrant communities. Greater understanding of traditional postpartum practices can facilitate culturally relevant support and health care services to mothers.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices of a Cambodian Traditional Postpartum Medicine, Sra Thnam, among Cambodian Women (15-30 Years) Living in Massachusetts.

Cordeiro

Ahnan-Winarno

Dou

et al. 2022

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Natural galactagogues, substances believed to enhance milk production in breastfeeding mothers, continue to be used in both traditional and modern contexts in Nigeria and the US , Cordeiro, et. al., 2020, Thorley & Cazorla-Ortiz, 2022.…”

Section: Modern Applications and Current Trendsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural Galactagogues in Nigeria and the Us: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Safety

Deborah Aanuoluwa Soyombo

2024

imsrj

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Natural galactagogues are substances that are believed to promote lactation by increasing milk production in breastfeeding mothers. This review examines the use, scientific evidence, and regulatory status of natural galactagogues in Nigeria and the US, focusing on their mechanisms, efficacy, and safety. In both Nigeria and the US, various natural substances have been traditionally used to support lactation. These substances include herbs such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, and fennel seed, as well as foods like oats and barley. While these substances have been used for centuries and are believed to have lactogenic properties, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is limited. In Nigeria, traditional healers and herbalists often prescribe natural galactagogues to breastfeeding mothers to enhance milk production. These practices are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and are often passed down through generations. However, the scientific evidence supporting the use of these substances is scarce, and their safety and efficacy remain uncertain. In the US, natural galactagogues are also commonly used by breastfeeding mothers seeking to increase milk supply. While some studies have suggested that certain herbs and foods may have lactogenic effects, the overall evidence is inconclusive. Additionally, the regulatory status of natural galactagogues in the US varies, with some substances being classified as dietary supplements and others as foods. Overall, the use of natural galactagogues in Nigeria and the US reflects a cultural and historical belief in their efficacy. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms, efficacy, and safety of these substances. Regulatory agencies in both countries should also continue to monitor the use of natural galactagogues and provide guidance to ensure their safe and appropriate use by breastfeeding mothers. Keywords: Natural, Galactagogues, Mechanism, Efficacy, Safety.

show abstract

Anti-Infective Plants Used for Lactation and Postpartum Recovery: Exploration of a Sub-Saharan–North African Dichotomy

Cited by 2 publications

References 254 publications

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices of a Cambodian Traditional Postpartum Medicine, Sra Thnam, among Cambodian Women (15-30 Years) Living in Massachusetts.

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices of a Cambodian Traditional Postpartum Medicine, Sra Thnam, among Cambodian Women (15-30 Years) Living in Massachusetts.

Natural Galactagogues in Nigeria and the Us: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Safety

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About