Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine: Advice for Clinicians on Herbs and Breastfeeding

Budzynska, Katarzyna; Gardner, Zoë; Dog, Tieraona Low; Gardiner, Paula

doi:10.1542/pir.34-8-343

Cited by 21 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Lactation is a complex physiological mechanism involving hormonal, physical and emotional factors. Inadequate breastmilk production is among the key factors that increase the rate of suboptimal breastfeeding among lactating mothers [ 8 , 9 ]. Even though perceived insufficient breastmilk supply have been reported [ 10 ], the problem of insufficient breastmilk production persists.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Special foods and local herbs used to enhance breastmilk production in Ghana: rate of use and beliefs of efficacy

et al. 2020

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Background Inadequate breastmilk production is one of the key factors associated with suboptimal breastfeeding. In most local African homes, special herbs and some food items are commonly used to promote breastmilk production (known as lactogogue/galactogogue). We describe the use and characterize the herbs and food items used to promote breastmilk production in two regions of Ghana. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2018 involving 402 lactating mothers. The range of foods used as lactogogues was obtained from 20 participants through focus group discussions. Quantitative data on demographics, lactogogue use and feeding practices were obtained through questionnaire administration. Results The mean age of women was 29.2 years and children were 10 months. Breastmilk production problems were low (22.4%) and the majority of lactating mothers felt they had adequate breastmilk (70.4%) but awareness about lactogogues was widespread in both regions (88.8%) and highest in the Brong-Ahafo region (90.0%). Information about lactogogues was mainly from grandparents (24.6%), parents (31.6), health facilities (16.5%) and friends (12.8%), while the media had little influence (< 1%). The majority of the mothers used lactogogues to enhance breastmilk production (67.7%), and a quarter of them used lactogogues because of their tradition (25.2%). Prevalence of lactogogue use was 83.8%, lactogogues were prepared separate from household meals (59.4%) and consumed one to three times a day (89.6%). Users felt the effectiveness within 24 h of use (98.5%). The most common lactogogues included; groundnut/peanut soup prepared with Bra leaves (Hibiscus sabdariffa), hot black tea, Werewere/Agushi (Citrulus colocynthis) prepared with Bra leaves, and Abemudro (a polyherbal formulation). Only 13.2% of lactating mothers also used lactogogues during pregnancy. Conclusions Special foods and selected herbs are widely used to enhance breastmilk production in Ghana and constitute an important part of the diet of lactating mothers. These results could contribute to understanding breastfeeding behaviours and stimulate further research into evaluating the safety and scientific efficacy of these products in Ghana.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Special foods and local herbs used to enhance breastmilk production in Ghana: rate of use and beliefs of efficacy

et al. 2020

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“…We need to determine which herbs and foods might be most helpful, in what forms they work best, in what dosages and under what circumstances [149]. For instance, a rat study of shatavari as a galactogogue tested an aqueous decoction versus a milk decoction of shatavari as based on traditional usage and discovered that the milk decoction was 27 % more effective [150].…”

Section: Methods To Increase Milk Productionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unsolved Mysteries of the Human Mammary Gland: Defining and Redefining the Critical Questions from the Lactation Consultant’s Perspective

Marasco

2014

J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia

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Despite advances in knowledge about human lactation, clinicians face many problems when advising mothers who are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties that do not respond to normal management strategies. Primary insufficient milk production is now being acknowledged, but incidence rates have not been well studied. Many women have known histories of infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, hyperandrogenism or other hormonal imbalances, while others have no obvious risk factors. Some present with obviously abnormal breasts that are pubescent, tuberous/tubular or asymmetric in shape, raising the question of insufficient mammary gland tissue. Other women have breasts that appear within normal limits yet do not lactate normally. Endocrine disruptors may underlie some of these cases but their impact on human milk production has not been well explored. Similarly, any problem with prolactin such as a deficiency in serum prolactin or receptor number, receptor resistance, or poor bioavailability or bioactivity could underlie some cases of insufficient lactation, yet these possibilities are rarely investigated. A weak or suppressed milk ejection reflex, often assumed to be psychosomatic, could be related to thyroid dysfunction or caused by downstream post-receptor pathway problems. In the absence of sufficient data regarding these situations, desperate mothers may turn to non-evidence-based remedies, sometimes at considerable cost and unknown risk. Research targeted to these clinical dilemmas is critical in order to develop evidence-based strategies and increase breastfeeding duration and success rates.

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“…Despite the attention to the formula in the developed countries, the benefits of breast milk are still emphasized in the current world (1). Breast milk can save babies' lives, reduce maternal and infant disease burden (2), fulfill the nutritional needs of infants, improve infants' cognitive function and immunity, facilitate infants' nervous system development, decrease the incidence of diabetes 1 and 2, allergies, and sudden infant death syndrome (3).…”

Section: Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Complementary Medicine on Successful Breastfeeding and its Associated Issues in the Postpartum Period

et al. 2018

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Context: Breastfeeding initiation is an important event during the postpartum period. Despite the significance of exclusive breastfeeding in infant health, some common breast issues lead to the early cessation of breastfeeding. Therefore, various complementary medicine techniques are used to increase the length and quality of breastfeeding. Objectives: The current review study collected evidence on the impacts of complementary medicine on successful breastfeeding and breastfeeding-associated problems in the postpartum period. Data Sources: A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases and all randomized clinical trial, quasi-experimental, observational, and case-control studies published from 1999 to 2018. The quality of the selected papers was measured based on their adherence to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. After careful examinations, 18 papers were selected and reviewed. Results: According to the results of the current review, point massage was beneficial to prevent low milk supply postpartum. Oketani breast massage significantly increased total solids, lipids, and casein content, as well as the gross energy of breast milk and thus improved its overall quality. Reflexology enhanced breast milk supply. The Gua-Sha therapy, Oketani massage, and hollyhock leaf compress decreased the mean severity of breast engorgement. The six-step recanalization manual therapy (SSRMT) could be used as a safe and low-cost method to treat plugged milk ducts after delivery. Nipple fissures could be relieved by the use of Pistacia atlantica resin, silver impregnate medical cap, lanoline, menthol essence, and Ziziphus jujuba fruit. Conclusions: Supplementary medicine techniques are inexpensive and safe methods to resolve breastfeeding problems and empower mothers to perform successful breastfeeding. These methods can thus promote exclusive breastfeeding and decrease infant morbidity and morbidity. However, further details are needed in this area.

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Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine: Advice for Clinicians on Herbs and Breastfeeding

Cited by 21 publications

References 23 publications

Special foods and local herbs used to enhance breastmilk production in Ghana: rate of use and beliefs of efficacy

Special foods and local herbs used to enhance breastmilk production in Ghana: rate of use and beliefs of efficacy

Unsolved Mysteries of the Human Mammary Gland: Defining and Redefining the Critical Questions from the Lactation Consultant’s Perspective

Effects of Complementary Medicine on Successful Breastfeeding and its Associated Issues in the Postpartum Period

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