The Efficacy of Hospital-Based Food Program as
Galactogogues in Early Period of Lactation
Patcharapa Thaweekul MD*,
Yuthadej Thaweekul MD**, Paskorn Sritipsukho MD*
Affiliation :
* Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
** Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
Objective : Galactogogue food has been frequently used among lactating women without reported efficacy data. The present
study was aimed to address the outcome of hospital-based food programs as defined by the onset of lactation and infant’s
weight loss.
Material and Method: A Quasi-experimental design was done to compare the maternal breast fullness/heaviness and infants’
body weight among 106 women in galactogogue group and 127 controls. Data was gathered daily from the 1st day of
postpartum through the date discharged regarding timing of first breast feeding, nursing frequency, LATCH score, non-
breast-milk fluid, breast fullness/hardness, leakage of colostrum/breast milk, let-down reflex and infants’ body weight.
Results : Maternal report of breast fullness/heaviness within the first 48 hours in galactogogue group was significantly more
than control (71.7% and 56.7%, respectively; p<0.001). Proportion of infant who had an excessive weight loss, as defined
by weight loss more than 7% within the first 48 hours, in galactogogue group was significantly lower than controls (15.1%
and 24.4%, respectively; p = 0.043).
Conclusion : The use of traditional food as hospital-based food program had some efficacies in the early period of lactation,
regarding presence of breast fullness and reduction of infant’s weight loss. However, the efficacy in maintaining breast milk
production should be further studied. Likewise, frequent breastfeeding and thorough emptying of breasts definitely result
in increased milk production and should be evaluated in all lactating women.
Keywords : Galactogogue, Breastfeeding, Lactation, Excessive weight loss
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