Abstract

AN AYURVEDIC AND CONTEMPRORY OVERVEIW OF LACTATION INSUFFICIENCY AND ITS CURE: A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH

*Thakur Jyotsna and Masand Sameet

Abstract

Breast milk is unique and exclusive for every pair of mother and child. It is natural and nutritious way to encourage baby‟s development. Inspite of being the utmost natural act with innumerable positive health implications for both mother and child, most of the women encounter lactation insufficiency during this crowning experience of motherhood. Cause is owed to stress, anxiety, lack of motivation and support along with lack of knowledge of breast feeding techniques leading to introduction of top feeding, ultimately resulting in complete or partial cessation of lactogenesis. Malnutrition, infections and maternal diseases line up fast to portray an alarming picture of future. Since breastfeeding is a hormonal, emotional physical and dietary phenomenon bound to be effected by every component, so effort should be made to prevent it with good anticipation through multidimensional approach comprising of physical methods, motivation, provisions of nutritious lactogenic diet and use of herbal galactagogues mentioned thoroughly in Ayurvedic literature. Synthetic Galactogogues mentioned in contemporary sciences pose a greater risk of adverse health hazards whereas Ayurveda management protocol addresses internal balances and external influences contributing to problem and focuses on rebalancing the individuals along with promotion of systemic health and well being of individual. So, breastfeeding mothers all over the world should be educated to focus on lactation insufficiency management protocol mentioned in Ayurveda aimed to restore the balance and vitality of body.

Keywords: Breastfeeding, Lactogenesis, Galactagogue, Rasadhatu, Prolactin, Stanyajanana.