Medicinal and galactagogue plants in the postpartum period

Introduction This poster provides an insight in the current administration practice of medicinal and galactagogue plants in the postpartum period in the canton of Zurich and other Swiss regions.

Aim To date no survey has been conducted to objectify the use of medicinal and galactagogue plants in the postpartum period in the canton of Zurich or in other Swiss regions.

Method An online survey was sent to all public hospitals in the canton of Zurich, to birth centres, the Swiss Association of Breastfeeding Consultants ICBLC, to some midwife and medical practices. The data was collected and the results were analysed.

Results 64 persons completed the survey, 91% reported to have own experiences with herbal medicine. The main indications were reduction of strong afterpains, treatment of excessive or feeble postpartum flow, reduction of milk production, treatment of breast engorgement or mastitis, stimulation of milk production and treatment of sore nipples. The six most frequently used plants were sage, peppermint, fennel, nettle, fenugreek and lady’s mantle ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1

Conclusion Use of medicinal and galactagogue plants in the postpartum period is common in the canton of Zurich and in other Swiss regions. 85% of the respondents observed no adverse effects. According to my survey all of the used plants have a long history in postpartum treatment and most of them are widespread in Switzerland.

Acknowledgement I would like to thank Dr. Beatrix Falch for her support.

 

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
13. Juni 2022