The risk-risk trade-offs: Understanding factors that influence women’s decision to use substances to boost breast milk supply

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249599
• Publication Date: 2021-05-03T17:23:40Z
• Authors: Gabriella Zizzo; Lisa H. Amir; Vivienne Moore; Luke E. Grzeskowiak; Alice R. Rumbold
• Keywords: Adult; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Science; Q; Decision Making; R; Australia; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Breast Feeding; Risk-Taking; 0302 clinical medicine; 5. Gender equality; Medicine; Humans; Lactation; Female; Galactogogues; Research Article; Uncategorized

Galactagogues are foods, herbs or medications thought to support increase breast milk supply. The use of galactagogues during lactation is becoming increasingly common despite limited evidence regarding effectiveness and safety, no definitive recommendations for in clinical practice. aim this study explore factors influencing women’s decisions lactation. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted October November 2019 (over the telephone person) with participants located most Australian states territories, including metro regional areas. Interviews audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim thematically analysed using NVivo. Analysis revealed that following a concern about supply, decision was influenced by three core interrelated domains: access quality breastfeeding support, maternal agency determination provide milk. Women many problematic experiences health care professionals left them feeling dismissed confused due provision inconsistent insufficient information sometimes at odds their desire In instance, some women turned regain agency. A range broader dimensions decision-making also emerged. These separated into categories emphasise distinctions relating which included: emotional wellbeing, social norms pressures, concerns infant development, physical history, as well those specifically galactagogue use, including: guaranteed/urgent response, risk-risk trade-off, acceptance trust, accessibility cost. understanding complexity concerning these substances, we identify opportunities improve counselling support. We recommend be individually tailored manage conflicting information, adopt communication styles encourage trust processes enable shared enhance restore There considerable need address gaps safety commonly used galactagogues, so can appropriately counselled potential benefits harms.