Perspectives and attitudes of breastfeeding women using herbal galactagogues during breastfeeding: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundSome herbal galactagogues have gained reputation and recognition by the public and health professionals as alternative approaches to increase breast milk supply. This study explores the perspectives and attitudes of breastfeeding women towards the use of herbal galactagogues while breastfeeding, their experiences, and why and how they have chosen an alternative option over conventional treatments to enhance breastfeeding performance.MethodsThis exploratory research was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews with women living in Perth, Western Australia, who were using one or more herbal galactagogues during breastfeeding. Purposeful and subsequent snowball sampling methods were employed to recruit participants. All interviews, facilitated by an interview guide, were audio-recorded, then transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data to construct themes and subthemes.ResultsThe perspectives and attitudes of the 20 participants are classified under three main headings: i) use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding, ii) available herbal medicines resources, and iii) level of breastfeeding support received. Throughout the interviews, participants described how their perseverance and determination to breastfeed, as well as concerns over breastfed infants’ safety with conventional treatments, influenced their choice of therapy. A sense of self-efficacy and autonomy over their own health needs was seen as influential to their confidence level, supported self-empowerment and provided reassurance throughout the breastfeeding journey. There was also a desire for more evidence-based information and expectations of health professionals to provide credible and reliable information regarding the use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding.ConclusionsThis study has enhanced our understanding of the perspectives and attitudes of breastfeeding women towards the use of herbal medicines, in particular galactagogues, while breastfeeding. The positive attitudes of breastfeeding women identified in this study highlight the need for further research into evaluating the safety and efficacy of commonly used herbal galactagogues, whilst the negative views on breastfeeding education should be taken into consideration when implementing or improving breastfeeding-related health policies.

Women’s health literacy and the complex decision‐making process to use complementary medicine products in pregnancy and lactation

“…Most pregnant or breastfeeding mothers want to promote their babies’ and their own health. Studies from Australia, and similar overseas economies confirm that safety of CMPs is very important to mothers. However, little is known about the role of health literacy in pregnant or breastfeeding women's decision‐making processes regarding the use of CMPs.…”

“…CMP use in pregnancy or breastfeeding is also associated with biomedical or CAM health‐care practitioner prescription or recommendation . A positive relationship with their CAM practitioners has been linked to pregnant or breastfeeding women's use of CAM . Women appreciate CAM practitioners’ holistic approaches to health, including consideration of mental‐emotional, physical, social and spiritual health .…”

“…Self‐prescription of complementary medicine products (CMPs) is common with some women perceiving CMPs to be safer to use in pregnancy and lactation than pharmaceutical medications . Women also often take vitamin and mineral supplements due to the belief that supplementation will ensure they meet the additional nutritional requirements of pregnancy and lactation .…”

“…8,24,25 During breastfeeding specifically, herbal galactagogues are used to correct perceived or diagnosed breastmilk insufficiency, and other herbs are used to support post-partum health and recovery after birth or to treat common conditions like mastitis or upper respiratory tract infections. 8,9,18,19,28 Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) use prior to pregnancy has been associated with use during pregnancy. 24,25,29,30 CMP use in pregnancy or breastfeeding is also associated with biomedical or CAM health-care practitioner prescription or recommendation.…”

Health provider experiences with galactagogues to support breastfeeding: a cross-sectional survey

“…Furthermore, women also expressed the notion that herbal galactagogues are safer compared to conventional medicine and expected providers to be aware of the different options and hence able to provide adequate advice 26. Providers face insufficient clinical guidance and a lack of protocols on galactagogue use, and recently this gap in reliable data has led to more cautious recommendation about galactagogues use 23.…”