Uso de galactogogos para aumentar la producción de leche entre las madres lactantes que acuden al Centro de Salud de Biblián y Centro de Salud Víctor Miguel Crespo de Azogues en el periodo enero-abril de 2024

Abstract

Background: Currently, studies on galactagogues in countries like the United States, Australia, and others in Asia have gained significant importance due to their potential to increase breast milk production. However, in Ecuador, there is a lack of substantial research related to this topic despite the influence of ancestral medicine on the use of galactagogues and the perceived effects by lactating women.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of galactagogue use and to evaluate the perceived effects of their administration in lactating mothers attending the Biblián Health Center and the Víctor Miguel Crespo Health Center in Azogues during the period of January to April 2024.Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional analytical study was conducted, with a simple random sample of 208 lactating mothers. Data was analyzed using the chi-square test.Results: 83.65% of lactating women consumed some type of galactagogue, primarily paraguay, oats, and dark chocolate, among others. The perception of increased breast milk production was higher after consuming paraguay. Conclusions: This study updated the information on the most frequently consumed galactagogues and found that their use is more prevalent among those who are currently producing sufficient breast milk. Despite the perception of increased breast milk production after consuming galactagogues, there is no correlation between their use and increased milk production. Furthermore, the use of galactagogues does not solve the problem of insufficient breast milk production.