Special Foods and Local Herbs Used to Enhance Breast milk Production in Ghana: Rate of Use and Beliefs of Efficacy

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background Inadequate breast milk production is one of the key factors associated with suboptimal breastfeeding. In most local African homes, special herbs and some food items are commonly used to promote breast milk production (known as lactogogue/galactogogue). We describe the use and characterize the herbs and food items used to promote breastmilk production in two regions of Ghana. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 402 lactating mothers. The range of foods used as lactogogues was obtained through focus group discussions. Quantitative data on demographics, lactogogue use and feeding practices were obtained through questionnaire administration. Results The mean age of women was 29.2 years and children were 10 months. Breastmilk production problems were low (22.4%) and majority of lactating mothers felt they had adequate breastmilk (70.4%) but awareness about lactogogues was widespread in both regions (88.8%) and highest in the Brong-Ahafo region (90.0%). Information about lactogogues was mainly from grandparents (24.6%), parents (31.6), health facilities (16.5%) and friends (12.8%), while the media had little influence (&lt; 1%). Prevalence of lactogogue use was 83.8%, lactogogues were prepared separate from household meals (59.4%) and consumed 1 to 3 times a day (89.6%). Users felt the effectiveness within 24hrs of use (98.5%). The most common lactogogues included; groundnut/peanut soup prepared with <italic>Bra leaves</italic> (<italic>Hibiscus sabdariffa</italic>), hot black tea, <italic>Werewere/Agushi (Citrulus colocynthis)</italic> prepared with <italic>Bra leaves</italic>, and <italic>Abemudro (a polyherbal formulation).</italic> Only 13.2% of lactating mothers also used lactogogues during pregnancy. Conclusion Special foods and selected herbs are widely used to enhance breastmilk production in Ghana and constitute an important part of the diet of lactating mothers. These results could contribute to understanding breastfeeding behaviours and professional support for lactating women with breast milk production concerns in Ghana.