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OP-084 The relationship between the perception of milk adequacy and galactogogue use among breastfeeding mothers – pilot study
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  1. Yeşfa Şebnem Özbay1,
  2. Özden Aksu Sayman2,
  3. Bahar Kural3
  1. 1Haliç University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, İstanbul University, Institute of Child Health, Department of Social Pediatrics
  2. 2Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, İstanbul University, Institute of Child Health, Department of Social Pediatrics
  3. 3Haliç University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics

Abstract

Aim Galactagogues are known as substances that help initiate and maintain adequate milk production (1). Still, there is limited evidence on the safety and the efficacy of galaktogogues (2). We aimed to explore the prevalence of galactogogues use and characteristics of breastfeeding mothers in terms of perceived milk adequacy.

Material and Method This descriptive study was conducted online and the survey was distributed between November and December 2023 via pediatricians. Participants filled the surveys and currently breastfeeding mothers were recruited for the study. The survey included questions about the sociodemographic characteristics of mothers, their breastfeeding attitudes and galactogogue use. The perception of milk adequacy was explored by using two different tools. Mothers were asked if they had inadequate milk perception and ‘The Perception of Insufficient Milk Questionnaire’ (PIMQ) was applied.

Results The study included 152 breastfeeding mothers, the median age was 33 years (min-max: 23–45). Most of the mothers were university graduates (88.8%) and had middle income level (61.8%). The prevalance of galactogogue use was 40.7% and reported inadequate milk perception rate was 61.8% among mothers. The PIMQ mean score of mothers who reported inadequate milk perception was significantly lower (p<0.001). The rate of galactagogue use was significantly higher in those who had inadequate milk perception (p<0.001). Twenty percent of mothers who had the feeling of milk adequecy were also using galactogogues. No significant difference was found in PIMQ scores between mothers who used galactagogues and those who did not use. The PIMQ mean score of mothers who reported inadequate milk perception was significantly lower (p<0.001).

Conclusions Galactogogue use is common in breastfeeding mothers. The perception of inadequate milk is related to galactogogue use. PIMQ scores are not significant in determining the use of galactogogue. More studies are needed in order to provide guidance for galactagogue use in mothers with perceived inadequate milk.

  • breastfeeding
  • galactogogue use
  • Perceived milk insufficiency

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2024-EPAC.83

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