The use of complementary and alternative medicines during breastfeeding: results from the Herbal supplements in Breastfeeding InvesTigation (HaBIT) study (original) (raw)
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Iranian Journal of Pediatrics
Context: Breastfeeding initiation is an important event during the postpartum period. Despite the significance of exclusive breastfeeding in infant health, some common breast issues lead to the early cessation of breastfeeding. Therefore, various complementary medicine techniques are used to increase the length and quality of breastfeeding. Objectives: The current review study collected evidence on the impacts of complementary medicine on successful breastfeeding and breastfeeding-associated problems in the postpartum period. Data Sources: A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases and all randomized clinical trial, quasi-experimental, observational, and case-control studies published from 1999 to 2018. The quality of the selected papers was measured based on their adherence to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. After careful examinations, 18 papers were selected and reviewed. Results: According to the results of the current review, point massage was beneficial to prevent low milk supply postpartum. Oketani breast massage significantly increased total solids, lipids, and casein content, as well as the gross energy of breast milk and thus improved its overall quality. Reflexology enhanced breast milk supply. The Gua-Sha therapy, Oketani massage, and hollyhock leaf compress decreased the mean severity of breast engorgement. The six-step recanalization manual therapy (SSRMT) could be used as a safe and low-cost method to treat plugged milk ducts after delivery. Nipple fissures could be relieved by the use of Pistacia atlantica resin, silver impregnate medical cap, lanoline, menthol essence, and Ziziphus jujuba fruit. Conclusions: Supplementary medicine techniques are inexpensive and safe methods to resolve breastfeeding problems and empower mothers to perform successful breastfeeding. These methods can thus promote exclusive breastfeeding and decrease infant morbidity and morbidity. However, further details are needed in this area.
Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine: Advice for Clinicians on Herbs and Breastfeeding
Pediatrics in Review, 2013
Pediatricians need to be aware that mothers commonly use herbal supplements while breastfeeding, despite the lack of regulatory guidelines and rigorous scientific evaluation. Several resources on the safety and efficacy of herbs during breastfeeding can help guide clinical recommendations. Definition and Description In the United States, herbal products are classified as dietary supplements, a regulatory category created with the introduction of the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act (DSHEA). (1) Under this act, dietary supplements are defined as herbs or other botanicals, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and certain other natural substances. Under DSHEA, herbal medicines are held to different regulatory standards than prescription medications in testing and marketing. Products sold as a dietary supplement, including herbal products, are not permitted to claim that they can treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Currently in the United States, no existing regulatory guidelines set a standardized risk assessment to determine the safety and efficacy of herbs during breastfeeding. Despite the lack of rigorous scientific evaluation, many women use herbs during breastfeeding. Galactagogues Poor breast milk production is the most frequent cause of breastfeeding failure, and breastfeeding mothers often seek advice from their clinician about what they can do to increase
The use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding: A population-based survey in western australia
2013
Background: Main concerns for lactating women about medications include the safety of their breastfed infants and the potential effects of medication on quantity and quality of breast milk. While medicine treatments include conventional and complementary medicines, most studies to date have focused on evaluating the safety aspect of conventional medicines. Despite increasing popularity of herbal medicines, there are currently limited data available on the pattern of use and safety of these medicines during breastfeeding. This study aimed to identify the pattern of use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding in Perth, Western Australia, and to identify aspects which require further clinical research. Methods: This study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire validated through two pilot studies. Participants were 18 years or older, breastfeeding or had breastfed in the past 12 months. Participants were recruited from various community and health centres, and through advertising in newspapers. Simple descriptive statistics were used to summarise the demographic profile and attitudes of respondents, using the SPSS statistical software.
Systematic Review of Breastfeeding and Herbs
Breastfeeding Medicine, 2012
Objectives: Despite popular and historical use, there has been little modern research conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of herb use during breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the clinical literature on herbal medicine and lactation. Methods: The databases PubMed, CAB Abstracts, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, HealthSTAR, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Reprotox were systematically searched for human trials from 1970 until 2010. Reference lists from relevant articles were hand-searched. Results: Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Clinical studies were divided into three categories: survey studies (n = 11), safety studies (n = 8), and efficacy studies (n = 13). Six studies were randomized controlled trials. The most common herbs studied were St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) (n = 3), garlic (Allium sativum L.) extract (n = 2), and senna (Cassia senna L.) (n = 2). Studies were very heterogeneous with regard to study design, herbal intervention, and outcome measures. Overall, poor methodological quality predominated among the studies. Conclusions: Our review concludes that further research is needed to assess the prevalence, efficacy, and safety of commonly used herbs during breastfeeding.
The Use of Herbal Products during Breastfeeding: A Study from a Public Italian Hospital
Journal of Food Processing & Technology, 2014
The use of herbal products is steadily increasing worldwide, especially by women, also during pregnancy and breastfeeding, even if safety data are lacking. Aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of use and the attitude toward herbal remedies among women during breastfeeding, by an interview-based survey.