Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 May 18;5(5):CD011505. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011505.pub2.. (Cochrane)

Oral galactagogues (natural therapies or drugs) for increasing breast milk production in mothers of non-hospitalised term infants

Foong SC, Tan ML, Foong WC, Marasco LA, Ho JJ, Ong JH.

Abstract

This review examined whether natural and pharmaceutical treatments called galactogogues can effectively increase breast milk production in mothers of full-term babies who are not hospitalized.  Researchers analyzed data from 27 studies involving various galactagogues, including medications like domperidone and traditional remedies like fenugreek and ginger. The findings were mixed, with some evidence suggesting that certain galactogogues might lead to a slight increase in breast milk volume or infant weight gain. However, the quality of evidence was generally low due to limitations in study designs and reporting. More rigorous research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the safety and effectiveness of different galactogogues.

Keywords: Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t, Systematic Review, Administration, Oral, Body Weight / drug effects, Breast Feeding, Domperidone / administration & dosage, Domperidone / adverse effects, Female, Galactogogues / administration & dosage*

Introduction

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal way to nourish infants. However, some mothers experience challenges with milk production, leading them to seek ways to increase their supply. Galactogogues are substances believed to promote breast milk production. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of both pharmaceutical (e.g., domperidone) and natural galactogogues (e.g., fenugreek, ginger) in mothers of healthy, full-term infants.

Methodology:

This systematic review analyzed data from 27 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of various galactogogues on breast milk production. The studies included a range of interventions, from medications like domperidone to herbal remedies like fenugreek and ginger. The researchers assessed outcomes such as breast milk volume, infant weight gain, and adverse effects.

Results:

The review found limited evidence suggesting that some galactogogues might modestly increase breast milk production or lead to slightly higher infant weight gain. However, the quality of evidence was generally low due to methodological limitations in many studies, including small sample sizes, variability in intervention dosages, and inconsistent outcome measures.

Discussion and Conclusion:

While this review suggests a potential benefit of certain galactogogues for increasing breast milk production, more robust research is needed to confirm these findings. Future studies should employ larger sample sizes, standardized interventions, and objective measures of breast milk volume. Additionally, long-term safety assessments are crucial, particularly for pharmaceutical galactogogues like domperidone.

Limitations Noted:

The review highlighted several limitations, including the heterogeneity of interventions and outcome measures across studies, small sample sizes in some trials, and a lack of standardization in dosage and administration methods. Additionally, publication bias could not be ruled out, as unpublished studies may have been excluded.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the contributions of the Cochrane Breastfeeding and Lactation Group for their support and guidance throughout the review process.

Ethical Considerations:

This systematic review involved analyzing data from previously published research studies. Ethical approval was not required as it did not involve direct interaction with human participants.

Source Citation

Foong SC et al.. (Cochrane). Oral galactagogues (natural therapies or drugs) for increasing breast milk production in mothers of non-hospitalised term infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 May 18;5(5):CD011505. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011505.pub2.

Legal and Ethical Use Statement

This summary is created for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for medical decisions. The original research article should be referenced for complete details and context.