Search Results (5)

Background/Objectives: Different international organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding during the neonate’s first six months of life; however, figures of around 38% are reported at the global level. One of the reasons for early abandonment is the mothers’ perception of supplying insufficient milk to their newborns. The objective of this research is to assess how mothers’ perceived level of self-efficacy during breastfeeding affects their ability to breastfeed and the rates of exclusive breastfeeding up to six months postpartum. Methods: A systematic review for the 2000–2023 period was conducted in the following databases: Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and CINAHL. Original articles, clinical trials, and observational studies in English and Spanish were included. Results: The results comprised 18 articles in the review (2006–2023), with an overall sample of 2004 participants. All studies were conducted with women who wanted to breastfeed, used the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale or its short version to measure postpartum self-efficacy levels, and breastfeeding rates were assessed up to 6 months postpartum. Conclusions: The present review draws on evidence suggesting that mothers’ perceived level of self-efficacy about their ability to breastfeed affects rates of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months postpartum. High levels of self-efficacy are positively related to the establishment and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding; however, these rates decline markedly at 6 months postpartum Full article

Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast-based supplement (SCYS) is frequently used as a galactagogue. However, its efficacy has only been evaluated in lactating ruminants and sows, not humans. This study aims to investigate the effect of taking an SCYS on human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) concentration and perceived insufficient milk supply (PIM). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at Palmerston North, New Zealand from May 2019–July 2021. Breastfeeding women with a term infant aged 1–7 months were randomly assigned to consume an SCYS (5 g/day) or placebo for four weeks. Concentration of 11 HMOs were analyzed by UHPLC with fluorescence detection. Online questionnaires were used to evaluate PIM, postnatal distress, infant feeding status, and self-reported side effects of taking SCYS. In addition, the infants’ feeding pattern (duration and frequency of breastfeed) were examined using a 24-hour feeding record. Sixty-eight women completed this study. The SCYS had no effect on individual or total HMO concentration. There were no significant differences in PIM, postnatal distress, or infant feeding pattern between the SCYS and placebo groups. However, more participants in the SCYS group than the placebo group perceived that the intervention increased their milk supply (65% vs. 35%, p < 0.05). Women in both groups reported adverse effects, but no participant withdrew from this study. The SCYS has no effect on HMO concentration or PIM. Research is needed to investigate the effect of SCYS on breast milk volume and self-reported indicators of milk supply increase. Full article

Perceived insufficient milk supply (PIM) is the most common reason for breastfeeding women to introduce formula before 6 months postpartum. Anecdotal evidence suggests that galactagogues (substances to enhance breast milk supply) are commonly used in Aotearoa New Zealand. The aim of this study is to investigate galactagogue use and its relationship to mother’s perceptions of their breast milk supply. Breastfeeding women with an infant aged 1–7 months old were invited to complete a survey that included a series of questions to evaluate PIM and other perceptions of their breast milk supply. Participants self-reported the use of galactagogues, including medications, herbs, and supplements as well as special foods. Women were also asked to keep 24 h breastfeeding records. Seventy-two women completed the survey. A total of 64% of the women (n = 46) used galactagogues, with 52% of them (n = 24) using more than one galactagogue. There were no differences between galactagogue users and non-users in terms of maternal age, education, parity, or breastfeeding frequency and total breastfeeding time over 24 h. Frequently used galactagogues were lactation cookies (n = 28), lactation teas (n = 10), and lactation blends (n = 7), and most of them were commercial products. Most of the participants perceived their milk as being in good quality and nutritious and that their infants were satisfied with the amount of breast milk received. However, 18% women (n = 13) reported PIM. Galactagogue use was not associated with PIM or other perceptions of breast milk supply. Interestingly, 59% of the women who thought they had sufficient milk used galactagogues. Galactagogues were widely used regardless of the women’s perceptions of their breast milk supply. Research in a sample including more women reporting PIM is required to understand how galactagogues are used in response to PIM. Full article

The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding as the normal infant feeding method and that infants being breastfed should be regarded as the control group or norm reference in all instances. There are many factors which could contribute to a new mother ceasing breastfeeding early, with the most commonly reported reason being perceived insufficient breast milk supply. The use of herbal galactagogues is increasingly common worldwide. Literature review identified a need for more research in the area of herbal galactagogue use during breastfeeding. Twenty in-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with breastfeeding women who used herbal galactagogues, to document use and explore their perceived effectiveness and safety of herbal galactagogues. Several indicators of breastfeeding adequacy were mentioned as participants described their experiences with the use of herbal galactagogues. Confidence and self-empowerment emerged as an over-arching theme linked to positive experiences with the use of herbal galactagogues. Despite the lack of clinical trial data on the actual increase in measured volume of breast milk production, indicators of breastfeeding adequacy boosted participants’ confidence levels and resulted in psychological benefits. This study highlighted the importance of considering the potential psychological benefits of using herbal galactagogues, and how this translates into breastfeeding adequacy. Full article