Healthcare providers' role regarding the safe and appropriate use of herbal products by breastfeeding mothers: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding women often use herbal products to increase their milk supply. The aim of this study was to summarize the literature about the role of healthcare providers in advising breastfeeding women about herbal product use.

Methods: Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases were searched for articles written in English using the Keywords: "breastfeeding" or "lactation" and "herbal medicine*", "botanical*", "dietary supplement*", "natural product*", "traditional medicine*" or "complementary medicine*".

Results: Twenty-two articles were included in this review. A lack of inter-professional communication and guidelines, a lack of provider confidence and knowledge about the evidence for the efficacy and safety of herbal products were identified as causing a 'gap' between current practice and expectations of breastfeeding women seeking advice about their use herbal products.

Conclusions: Strategic and collaborative efforts between key stakeholders are required to ensure the needs of women who are considering herbal product use while breastfeeding are met.

Keywords: Breastfeeding; Healthcare professional; Herbal products; Midwife; Pharmacist.