Use of galactagogues by postnatal breastfeeding women in Enugu: A cross-sectional, multi-center study

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding mothers resort to galactagogues following real or apparent perception of insufficient breastmilk production. While the prevalence of use of galactagogues has been on the increase globally, the exact substances that constitute galactagogues, their dosages, efficacy, and side effect profiles have been a subject of controversy. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the use of galactagogues among postnatal breastfeeding mothers in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria with a view to finding out the different types of substances used, the indication(s), their efficacy, and side effects if any. Method: This was a multicentre, cross-sectional descriptive study among 406 breastfeeding women in Enugu urban conducted over six months. Structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data covering socio-demographics characteristics, the substances used as galactagogues usage, the indication, perceptions of efficacy, and the side effects. Statistical Package for Social Sciences [IBM SPSS] software version 25.0 was used for analysis and the significance level was set at p