Breastfeeding Mothers’ Consumption and Perceived Efficacy of Foods, Beverages, and Herbal Supplements to Increase Milk Supply

Abstract

ObjectivesPerceived insufficient milk is a common reason that mothers wean prior to the Academy of Pediatrics recommended 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding with continued breastfeeding through ≥ 12 months. Prior research indicates that mothers modify their dietary intake to address milk supply concerns. The current study fills a gap in the literature regarding the prevalence, perceived efficacy, and predictors of foods, beverages, and herbal supplements that U.S. mothers consume to increase milk supply. MethodsPaid Facebook advertisements were used to recruit breastfeeding mothers (≥18 years, living in the U.S.) into an online, cross-sectional survey. Participants self-reported their demographic characteristics, breastfeeding experiences, and consumption and perceived efficacy of 11 foods, 7 beverages, and 9 herbal supplements for increasing milk supply. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all study variables. The association between maternal perceived insufficient milk and consumption of any foods/beverages (yes/no) or any herbal supplements (yes/no) to increase milk supply was examined via Fisher’s exact tests. ResultsParticipants (N = 192) primarily identified as white (90%) and married or partnered (94%); 15% were WIC participants. Most (84%) felt they produced enough milk to satisfy their child. Over half (55%) previously or currently consumed foods/beverages to increase milk supply, and 29% consumed herbal supplements. The most commonly consumed foods/beverages were oats (47%), sports drinks (34%), store-bought lactation cookies (26%) and lactation tea (20%). Store-bought lactation cookies were perceived as the most effective at increasing milk supply (50%). The most commonly consumed herbal supplement was a combination supplement (25%), of whom, 40% believed it increased milk supply. Fenugreek was the most commonly consumed single herbal supplement (13%); 42% believed it increased milk supply. Maternal perceived insufficient milk was associated with ever consuming foods/beverages to increase milk supply (p = .04), and herbal supplements (p = .02). ConclusionsMany breastfeeding mothers consume foods, beverages and/or herbal supplements to increase milk supply, signaling an urgent need for research on the effects of dietary intake on human milk production, and maternal and child health outcomes. Funding SourcesNone.