Impact of plant-derived galactagogues on breast milk production and blood prolactin levels in early postpartum mothers of preterm infants: A double-blind randomised controlled trial.

Background: Preterm infants require efficient care and provision of adequate nutrition to enhance their survival and minimise complications that may arise during growth and development. Breast milk represents the sole recommended source of nutrition for preterm infants until 6 months after birth. Objective: This study investigated the effect of plant-derived galactagogues on breast milk production and serum prolactin levels of early postpartum mothers, as well as on the weight of their preterm infants. Methods: A double-blinded, randomised and controlled study design was used to determine breast milk volume and serum prolactin levels on days 1 and 7 of early postpartum mothers of preterm infants given food products containing plant-derived galactagogues (granola or chocolate drink) or the corresponding placebo food products. The weight of the preterm infants fed on breast milk was also measured on days 1 and 7. Results: Mean breast milk volume was significantly increased in mothers who received the granola (p < 0.0001), chocolate drink (p < 0.0001), granola placebo (p < 0.0001) and chocolate drink placebo (p = 0.0007) by day 7. Serum prolactin levels of the mothers and the weight of the preterm infants were not significantly different on day 7 compared to the values obtained on day 1. There was no significant correlation between breast milk volume and either serum prolactin levels or infant weight on days 1 and 7 for the intervention and placebo groups. Conclusion: Plant-based galactagogues did not increase breast milk supply or affect serum prolactin levels in early postpartum mothers with hypogalactia. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating breast milk production and composition in lactating women.