The campaign for breastfeeding is being pursued by the Department of Health, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children's Educational Fund (UNICEF) and other organizations involved in the improvement of the health of mothers and infants. This is an important initiative because breast milk is still superior when it comes to providing nutritional and immunologic benefits as compared to milk formula.
This study was undertaken to show if the intake of moringa leaves capsules indeed will increase milk production of those healthy mothers who will breastfeed their infants.
This is a very important study because the superiority of mothers' milk over artificial milk for the nourishment of infants is unquestionable. Mothers' milk has anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory functions. The American Academy of Pediatric recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the infant is approximately 6 months of age with timely introduction of complementary foods and continued breastfeeding for a year or longer if desired.
As a result of the findings of the study, the following things are recommended :
1. To substantiate the current study, clinical trial using the same drug, moringa leaves capsules, a larger sample size and longer period of use are recommended. The latter will help determine whether the prolonged use will yield a higher volume of breast milk mothers nursing their infants.
2. Moringa, which grows almost anywhere in the Philippines, should be promoted as an effective galactagogue and a good source of calcium, iron, and phosphorus for mothers breastfeeding their infants. Local health centers should lead in sharing and putting emphasis on the use of moringa leaves to increase mothers’ breast milk production.
3.Primary care physicians and obstetricians should also remind mothers of the importance of breastfeeding immediately after birth.