Galactagogue Food Consumption, Perception of Insufficient Milk Supply, and Exclusive Breastfeeding in Chinese Postpartum Women: An Analysis of Repeated Measures.

This study investigates the consumption patterns of traditional galactagogue foods—foods believed to enhance lactation—in Chinese postpartum women and their association with perceived insufficient milk supply and exclusive breastfeeding. Among 218 participants from three urban hospitals in Wuhan, 64.68% consumed galactagogue foods such as crucian carp soup, chicken soup, and pigs' feet soup during the postpartum confinement period. The study found no significant association between galactagogue food consumption and perceived insufficient milk supply; however, women who consumed these foods were less likely to exclusively breastfeed during the first four months postpartum. The findings highlight the influence of cultural practices and family support on breastfeeding behaviors and suggest the need for culturally sensitive educational programs that integrate traditional Chinese medicine beliefs with broader medical guidance.