Effectiveness of Katuk Leaves on Breast Milk Production: A Literature Review
Keywords:
Katuk Leaves, Breastfeeding Mothers, Breast Milk ProductionAbstract
Abstract
Background: Breast milk constitutes an ideal source of nutrition for infants, containing antibodies, enzymes, and bioactive components essential for optimal growth and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life to reduce infant morbidity and mortality rates. However, various obstacles, particularly inadequate breast milk production, represent major barriers to successful exclusive breastfeeding programs in Indonesia. Maternal diet significantly influences both the quality and quantity of breast milk produced. Katuk leaves, rich in natural vitamin B complex, can enhance the health of nursing mothers and increase breast milk production.
Objective: This study aims to describe the knowledge of mothers with infants aged 0-6 months regarding the utilization of katuk leaves in enhancing breast milk production.
Methods: This study is a literature review employing the PICO format (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome): P (Population): Breastfeeding mothers; I (Intervention): Katuk leaf extract; C (Comparison): None; O (Outcome): Enhanced breast milk production. The literature review was conducted by searching articles from various journals using search engines including Google Scholar, repositories, ResearchGate, and PubMed/Medline. A total of nine journals were utilized.
Results: Among the nine articles reviewed, findings indicate that katuk leaves, in various processed forms, demonstrably enhance breast milk production in nursing mothers, thereby achieving adequate breast milk supply.
Conclusion: The intervention utilizing katuk leaves is recommended by the Indonesian Ministry of Health due to its proven effectiveness. The Indonesian population's cultural practice of consuming traditional herbal remedies facilitates greater acceptance of this intervention.
Keywords: Katuk Leaves, Breastfeeding Mothers, Breast Milk Production
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