Breastfeeding difficulties: The role of integrative medicine (IM) in breastfeeding support

Morns, Melissa; Bowman, Diana; Steel, Amie

doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2018.04.002

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Biomedical providers’ opinions on CMPs may be dismissed if they are perceived to have little expertise in CAM therapies and to either be against or uninformed about CAM therapies [16]. Time constraints of appointments with obstetricians and midwives are also frustrating for women wanting to discuss their pregnancies or breastfeeding difficulties, furthering their appreciation of time spent with CAM HCPs [16, 23]. Specific research into women’s choices to use CMPs in lactation, link decision-making to psychological benefits related to perceived and actual increases in breastmilk production, successful breastfeeding and self-care during the postpartum period [17, 21, 24–26].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors influencing women’s decision-making regarding complementary medicine product use in pregnancy and lactation

Barnes

Barclay

McCaffery

et al. 2019

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth

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Background The prevalence of complementary medicine product (CMP) use by pregnant or breastfeeding Australian mothers is high, however, there is limited data on factors influencing women’s decision-making to use CMPs. This study explored and described the factors influencing women’s decisions take a CMP when pregnant or breastfeeding. Methods Qualitative in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with 25 pregnant and/or breastfeeding women who currently used CMPs. Participants’ health literacy was assessed using a validated single-item health literacy screening question and the Newest Vital Sign. Interview and focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results Participants were a homogenous group. Most had higher education, medium to high incomes and high health literacy skills. They actively sought information from multiple sources and used a reiterative collation and assessment process. Their decision-making to take or not to take CMPs was informed by the need to establish the safety of the CMPs, as well as possible benefits or harms to their baby’s or their own health that could result from taking a CMP. Their specific information needs included the desire to access comprehensive, consistent, clear, easy to understand, and evidence-based information. Women preferred to access information from reputable sources, namely, their trusted health care practitioners, and information linked to government or hospital websites and published research. A lack of comprehensive, clear, consistent, or evidence-based information often led to decisions not to take a CMP, as they felt unable to adequately establish its safety or benefits. Conversely, when the participants felt the CMPs information they collected was good quality and from reputable sources, it reassured them of the safety of the CMP in pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. If this confirmed a clear benefit to their baby or themselves, they were more likely to decide to take a CMP. Conclusions The participants’ demographic profile confirms previous research concerning Australian women who use CMPs during pregnancy and lactation. Participants’ high health literacy skills led them to engage in a reiterative, information-seeking and analysis process fuelled by the need to find clear information before making the decision to take, or not to take, a CMP. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-019-2396-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors influencing women’s decision-making regarding complementary medicine product use in pregnancy and lactation

Barnes

Barclay

McCaffery

et al. 2019

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth

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“…According to reports of the WHO, a considerable number of herbal compounds and dietary supplements are used by people in both developed and developing countries [13]. If applied properly, TCIM can help meet the needs of breastfeeding mothers and can guide them toward successful breastfeeding [14]. In TCIM, there are several ways to increase the mother's milk, including acupuncture, massage, kangaroo mother care, relaxation, and herbal medicine [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and the Determinants of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine Use Among Breastfeeding Mothers in Shiraz, Iran: a Cross-section Study

Vardanjani

Salehi

Alembizar

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Background: Breastfeeding is highly important for a child's health, and the widespread use of herbal medicines as galactagogues has been reported. The present study was conducted to evaluate the use of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) and its determinants among breastfeeding mothers in Shiraz, Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, mothers over 18 years who referred to neonatal clinics affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were enrolled. Using a structured interview, we explored the prevalence and of the use of TCIM products and its associated factors. Results: Out of 625 mothers who were approached, 483 agreed to participate (response rate: 77.3%). The average age was 27.3 ± 5.9 years. The prevalence of using TCIM products during current breastfeeding was 97.1%. There were 168 working mothers (44.9%); 163 mothers (34.1%) complaining of postpartum breastfeeding problems, and 327 mothers (68%) had no past history of breastfeeding. Recommendations of medical staff or relatives were the most frequent reasons for the consumption of TCIM products (64.9%). Only 27% of mothers disclosed the use of TCIM products to their doctor or healthcare provider, although 62% of mothers were asked about the use of such products. Notably, 438 mothers (95.8%) considered TCIM to increase their milk. Based on multivariable logistic regression, literacy and past use of TCIM galactagogues were independently associated with TCIM products use.Conclusions: The use of TCIM galactagogues is highly common among breastfeeding mothers in south of Iran, showing a diverse range of determinants. It is necessary to evaluate the safety and efficacy of common herbal galactagogues, and evidence-based studies must be designed to achieve standardized complementary medicine approaches in this regard.

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“…Tandem breastfeeding can be defined as breastfeeding while pregnant or breastfeeding nontwin two or more babies at a time. 1 Tandem breastfeeding ensures the older child continues to receive the benefits of human milk; it helps siblings to bond 1 ; it decreases sibling jealousy through stronger attachment; it reduces the incidence of nipple problems 2 ; it supports the growth and development of the older child 3 ; it prevents engorgement. 1 However, whether the growth and development of the newborn are affected during the tandem breastfeeding process and whether the content of the milk changes have been the topics of great interest.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1 Tandem breastfeeding ensures the older child continues to receive the benefits of human milk; it helps siblings to bond 1 ; it decreases sibling jealousy through stronger attachment; it reduces the incidence of nipple problems 2 ; it supports the growth and development of the older child 3 ; it prevents engorgement. 1 However, whether the growth and development of the newborn are affected during the tandem breastfeeding process and whether the content of the milk changes have been the topics of great interest. 4 It is reported in the literature that continuing breastfeeding during pregnancy does not pose a threat to the development of the unborn baby.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The bond mothers establish with their first baby, the short pregnancy interval between their babies, and their older babies not being ready for weaning, can be effective in mothers' preference for tandem breastfeeding. 1 3 On the other hand, there are also cultural and religious beliefs that it is not right to continue breastfeeding during pregnancy, thinking that continuing breastfeeding during pregnancy can pose a threat to the health of the pregnant woman, her baby who is already being breastfed, and her unborn baby. 3 7 10 11 Therefore, most women stop breastfeeding because they are pregnant.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Mothers' Experiences of Tandem Breastfeeding: A Phenomenological Study

Aker¹,

Gönenç

Korucu³

et al. 2023

Am J Perinatol

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Objective: Despite many benefits of tandem breastfeeding, mothers stop breastfeeding their older babies early during pregnancy due to inadequate knowledge and support. This study was conducted to determine the tandem breastfeeding experiences of mothers. Study Design: A phenomenological design was used in this study. The data of the study were collected between January and August 2018. In-depth, individual, open-ended interviews were carried out for data collection. A personal information form and a semi-structured in-depth interview form were used to collect data. Participants: It was conducted with 13 women who were tandem breastfeeding, 9 of whom had given birth and 4 of whom were pregnant. Results: The data obtained from the interviews with mothers who were tandem breastfeeding were classified into 9 themes, namely metaphors, feelings, benefits, myths, facilitators, pathways to tandem breastfeeding, fears and worries, difficulties, and obstacles. Mothers experienced many benefits of tandem breastfeeding for maternal and infant health. In addition, although there was no evidence in the literature regarding the harms of tandem breastfeeding, they encountered many myths about it. These myths increased their concerns about this type of breastfeeding. Mothers could not get enough information and support from healthcare professionals, and this was reported as a challenging experience of tandem breastfeeding. Conclusion: Despite many positive experiences, mothers who tandem breastfeed may also face various difficulties. They need a breastfeeding-friendly environment and support from family and health professionals to cope with these challenges.

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Breastfeeding difficulties: The role of integrative medicine (IM) in breastfeeding support

Cited by 5 publications

References 11 publications

Factors influencing women’s decision-making regarding complementary medicine product use in pregnancy and lactation

Factors influencing women’s decision-making regarding complementary medicine product use in pregnancy and lactation

Prevalence and the Determinants of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine Use Among Breastfeeding Mothers in Shiraz, Iran: a Cross-section Study

Mothers' Experiences of Tandem Breastfeeding: A Phenomenological Study

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