Publication:

Clinical perspectives on herbal galactagogues in lactation care: a nationwide cross-sectional survey of Indian gynaecologists

Background Breastfeeding is a biologically complex process with critical implications for maternal and infant health. Despite strong global and national recommendations, suboptimal breastfeeding practices and high prevalence of perceived lactation insufficiency remain major challenges. Increasing interest in integrative lactation support has led to widespread clinical use of herbal galactagogues; however, systematically generated real-world data on clinician perspectives in India remain limited.

Methods A nationwide, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among practicing gynaecologists across India to assess awareness, prescribing practices, perceived effectiveness, safety, patient acceptance, and unmet needs related to herbal galactagogues in lactation care. A structured 30-item questionnaire was administered, and descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Responses were anonymized and summarized as frequencies and percentages.

Results Completed questionnaires from 416 gynaecologists were included in the analysis. Herbal galactagogues were frequently integrated into routine lactation management, with 70.67% of respondents reporting first-line use. Early initiation was common, with 56.25% initiating therapy immediately postpartum. Participants perceived herbal galactagogues as effective, rating “highly effective” (51.44%) or “moderately effective” (41.59%). Based on their clinical experience, 80.77% believed rapid onset of action (within 3 days). Safety and tolerability were rated positively; 60.82% participants never experienced any adverse effects in their patients. A large majority (88.70%) opined / affirmed that herbal galactagogues reduced reliance on formula supplementation.

Conclusions This nationwide survey demonstrates widespread clinical incorporation of herbal galactagogues into lactation care among Indian gynaecologists, with favorable practice-based opinion regarding early use, perceived effectiveness, and safety. The findings indicate routine positioning of these formulations within early lactation management and highlight the need for prospective, standardized studies to further clarify their clinical role and inform evidence-based guideline development.