Galactagogue Food Consumption, Perception of Insufficient Milk Supply, and Exclusive Breastfeeding in Chinese Postpartum Women: An Analysis of Repeated Measures.

Abstract

Little research has explored galactagogue food consumption in China. This study aims to investigate consumption patterns and how they relate to perceived insufficient milk supply and exclusive breastfeeding. Data were collected from postpartum women in China at six time points: baseline demographic questionnaire before hospital discharge (T0), galactagogue food questionnaire at 1 month postpartum (T1), Hill and Humenick Lactation Scale at 6 weeks postpartum (T2), and breastfeeding practices at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months postpartum (T1, T3, T4, T5). Of 218 participants who completed the galactagogue food questionnaire, 64.68% were consumers. No association was found between galactagogue food consumption and perceived insufficient milk supply. Consumers were less likely to breastfeed exclusively. Future research should emphasize a deeper understanding of consumer behaviors and family support in providing professional guidance on postpartum nutrition that considers not only social and cultural experiences but also broader medical aspects.