Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and the Use of Prescription Medication: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective. To examine the association of self-efficacy, perception of milk production, and lactating women's use of medication prescribed to increase breast milk in a cohort of 18–40-year-old mothers over six months. Methods. Mothers (n = 76) attending community clinics completed the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and the Humenick/Hill Lactation Scale, a measure of perceived milk production, three times. Results. Domperidone, a dopamine antagonist, was used by 28% of participants. On average, those using domperidone had lower self-efficacy scores than those not using it (P < 0.05) and were more likely to have used formula (Pearson chi-square test statistic = 6.87, df = 1, P < 0.05). Breastfeeding self efficacy and perception of milk production were positively correlated. Conclusion. Breastfeeding assessment conducted prior to prescription of galactogogues is recommended for mothers and healthy term babies. Following Baby-Friendly hospital protocols and increasing self-efficacy for lactating women may be most effective in sustaining breastfeeding. Risks and benefits of various galactogogues are discussed.

A cross-sectional descriptive study of breastfeeding behaviour and galactogogue use among private-sector patients in Cape Town, South Africa

“…We found that galactogogues were frequently prescribed and used by more than half of the participants, which is higher than in high-income settings internationally, where a 5 -33% prevalence of galactagogue use has been documented. [11,12] In our study, supplements were the most preferred galactogogues, with the use of fenugreek and berry elixir-containing juices being widespread, often in combination with prescription medications. Safety and efficacy data supporting the use of galactogogue supplements are limited.…”

Potensi Fraksi Etil Asetat Daun Torbangun (Coleus amboinicus L.) dalam Meningkatkan Produksi Susu, Bobot Badan Tikus, dan Anak Tikus

“…Keterbatasan produksi ASI yang tidak mencukupi merupakan alasan yang sering dilaporkan oleh ibu pada masa awal menyusui (Mannion & Mansell 2012). Penggunaan senyawa galaktagogum yang berasal dari tanaman merupakan salah satu upaya yang dilakukan dalam mengatasi hal tersebut.…”

The use of medicinal herbs in gynecological and pregnancy-related disorders by Jordanian women: a review of folkloric practice vs. evidence-based pharmacology

“…It could reverse aspirin related changes in male mice testicular tissues (Chaloob et al 2010) and mitigate cadium-and adriamycin-induced testicular damage in male rats (Sakr et al 2012;Arafa et al 2014). It is ascribed galactogogue properties but strongly contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its uterine stimulant efficacy (Mannion & Mansell 2012).…”

“…In a pilot study by Mannion and Mansell (2012), C. carvi (Caraway), a herb commonly associated with galactogogue properties, is strongly contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its antispasmodic effects. Nevertheless, the use of caraway after C-section can speed the resumption of post-opertaive bowel motility (Yosefi et al 2014).…”

“…It is also contraindicated in pregnancy as it may cause uterine contractions, miscarriages or premature labour (Shinde et al 2012). Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), a galactogogue, is also strongly contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its uterine stimulant efficacy (Mannion & Mansell 2012). Cinnamomum zeylanecum (Cinnamon) is commonly used in postpartum conditions (Abu-Irmaileh & Afifi 2003).…”