PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF HYPOGALACTIA. THE ROLE OF LACTOGENIC AGENTS

Abstract

According to the literature, hypogalactia is the main reason for premature termination of breastfeeding. The prevention and treatment of hypogalactia can significantly prolong breastfeeding. The article describes the hypogalactia preventing practice by delivering the lecturing courses for pregnant women during antenatal classes and preparation for childbirth, which led to significant differences in the duration of breastfeeding: 62% of women who attended the lectures and only 37% of women who did not attend courses on their own initiative (p <0.001) were breastfeeding up to 1.5 years. Thus, antenatal prevention of hypogalactia, informing pregnant women about WHO guidelines (frequent breastfeeds, skin-to-skin contact, night feeding and expression of breast milk) can significantly prolong breastfeeding. In addition, the use of lactogenic agents can be useful. The article gives an overview of modern information on the efficacy and administration of lactogenic agents, both herbal and pharmacological in different countries. Special attention is paid to herbs: fennel, anise, nettle and cumin, which form a part of Lactaphytol® herbal tea that is widely used in Russia.