Oral hydrolyzed whey protein in the perioperative period of cesarean section increases postoperative prolactin in mothers: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of oral administration of hydrolyzed whey protein during the perioperative period of cesarean section on postoperative prolactin levels and breast milk production in mothers. Methods triple-blind randomized trial was conducted on women who gave birth in a Chinese tertiary care hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to either the hydrolyzed whey protein or placebo group and were administered the respective substances at specific times during the perioperative period. The primary outcomes were prolactin levels and additional fluid milk intake during specific postoperative periods. Secondary observations included mothers’ subjective preoperative feelings and postoperative exhaust time. Results The study found that mothers in the hydrolyzed whey protein group had reduced visual hunger (p=0.002) and anxiety (p<0.001) while having higher neonatal blood glucose levels (p=0.041) compared to the placebo group. This group also had higher prolactin levels (p=0.009) and a reduced the number of milk additions in the first 48 hours of a newborn’s life (No-BreakpNo-Break=0.035). Conclusion Hydrolyzed whey protein intake during the cesarean section perioperative period reduces maternal hunger and anxiety, increases serum prolactin levels 3-4 hours after surgery, increases the infant’s blood glucose level 30 minutes after birth, and reduces milk supplementation in the first 48 hours.