The Use of Breast Patch Composed of Fenugreek Extract for Increasing Milk and Quality of Life in Breast-Feeding Volunteers

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety and quality of life after using breast patch composed of fenugreek extract for increasing milk in breast-feeding volunteers. This is a single-blinded, before-after, clinical study. All volunteers have to apply breast patch for 2 hours, 3 times a week for 2 consecutive weeks. The amount of milk obtained from each volunteer must be recorded 3 times a week. After applying breast patch for 6 times, the results indicated that the amount of milk obtained was significantly increased from 180.00 ± 315.00 mL to 420.00 ± 465.00 mL (p = 0.006) and no side effect was found. The quality of life measured by The World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI) found that the average quality of life score increased from 89.2 ± 4.7 to 98.6 ± 5.1 after using breast patch. We conclude that breast patch composed of fenugreek extract is effective and safe for increasing milk production in breast-feeding volunteers. Moreover, using this patch can improve patients' quality of life.