Objective: To explore the effectiveness of Ayurved Siriraj Prasa-Nam-Nom (ASPNN) recipe on breast milk production in early postpartum women.
Methods: Fifty-four normal vaginal term delivery mothers who had inadequate milk volume were enrolled into this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. All participants received ASPNN or placebo 1,500 mg three times/day for 3 days in the hospital and 7 days at home. Primary outcomes, including breast milk volume, %creamatocrit, and level of prolactin, were evaluated on day 1 and day 3. Satisfaction scores, adverse effects, and types of breastfeeding were also determined.
Results: On day 3, milk volume was increased in both groups. The median volume of ASPNN group was 19 ml, while that of the placebo group was 30 ml. The median %creamatocrit of ASPNN and placebo group were 7.17% and 6.98%, respectively. Mean serum prolactin levels of ASPNN and placebo group were 321.76 + 114.23 ng/ml and 323.78 + 116.68 ng/ml, respectively. Although the effects were not difference from the placebo, the reduction of prolactin in ASPNN was lower. Minor adverse effects included skin rash and mild diarrhea. Exclusive breastfeeding rate on day 11 in ASPNN and placebo group were 92.6 % and 88.5%, respectively.
Conclusion: Short term ASPNN supplementation produce no direct effect on breast milk volume, creamatocrit, and serum prolactin. It was safe and might help maintaining serum prolactin. A future trial with more participants and longer period should be conducted to confirm the effect of ASPNN on breast milk quantity and quality.
Study protocol: a double blind placebo controlled trial examining the effect of domperidone on the composition of breast milk [NCT00308334]
