Transformation from Traditional Practices to Modern Practices Performed to Increase Breastmilk Supply

Breastmilk is undoubtedly the most suitable food that a mother can offer to her baby. Owing to the increase in breastfeeding rates, there is a significant decrease in the morbidity and mortality rates both in mothers and in babies. However, some undesirable issues such as stress, sadness, anxiety, and return to work increase mothers’ anxiety levels and thus negatively affect milk production. Mothers utilize both traditional practices such as breast care, hot compress, traditional breast massage, enlightenment and education, etc., and modern practices such as hypnobreastfeeding, oxytocin massage, Marmet technique, Woolwich massage, etc. to increase breastmilk supply. Traditional practices are frequently performed by midwives, nurses and lactation consultants in clinical settings or during home visits. Among other traditional practices, those which are frequently performed by mothers are frequent breastfeeding, breast pumping and galactagogue use. Galactagogue also called a lactation inducer or milk booster is a substance that promotes lactation in humans and other animals. On the other hand, modern practices are neither known nor performed sufficiently by health professionals or mothers compared to traditional practices. In this context, it is of great importance to explain modern practices to more and more people after reviewing the relevant literature. Thus, this review is expected to contribute to the relevant literature by blending modern practices performed to increase breastmilk supply, a unique nutrient, both in Turkey and in the other countries of the world, based on the definitions and studies made on modern practices.