The problem is that much of what we do in lactation, as well as medicine in
general, is not, technically speaking, evidence-based, if you are talking
about being backed up by rigorous research. It just isn't there and is not
likely to be there because who is going to fund and do the research? I have
been a science-minded person since I was a child and am always looking for
the research to back up our practices. Good research is so valuable - how
many times has the medical profession (or the lactation community) been
convinced of the value or this or that treatment, only to find out when the
research was finally done, that is was worthless, or even harmful. The
wonderful thing is that there has been so much more research over the past
20 years into lactation-related topics. But we do still rely oftentimes on
our own observations of what seems to work and what doesn't. It may not be
perfect, but it frequently is all we have. That is one of the most valuable
things about LACTNET in that we get to share in everyone's observations. The
other issue is that really good, solid research is often hard to find and
most people's skills in evaluating research are limited at best. Today's
dramatic new research becomes tomorrow's old news and discredited findings.
We can't even agree on whether whole grains are an important part of a
balanced diet or the latest hidden poison we have been duped into eating.
All very confusing. So yes, I read and evaluate the research as best I can,
but then I use my own best judgment, based on the totality of my experience
and knowledge, to come to my own conclusions. Galactogogues are one of those
really grey areas and I am not sure there will ever be really good research
to prove the value of this or that treatment once you figure in all of the
possible variables. Another big problem in lactation research - so many darn
variables.

Sharon Knorr, BSMT, IBCLC
Loveland, CO

On Thu, Aug 11, 2011 at 1:36 PM, Mike & Wendy Jones <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> I dont think the article is in any way influenced by formula companies. It
> is a very good review of the available research - and there arent any
> studies which show effectiveness other than for pre-term babies where mums
> are only able to pump and not directly feed.
>
> Galactogogues are not IMHO an easy option where attachment isnt optimal,
> where mums are feeding to a schedule, where they want a magic wand. They
> have a place where there are hormonal problems or where breastfeeding
> started badly. But using evidence based medicine - we dont have the
> evidence. We may have anecdotal experience of cases where they have worked.
> That is not the same and so shouldnt be used as a guideline for practice.. I
> know practices in USA and UK may vary slightly
>
> Wendy Jones
>
> Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline Pharmacist
> The Breastfeeding Network UK
>
>
>
>
> From: LACTNET automatic digest system
> Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011 3:57 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: LACTNET Digest - 10 Aug 2011 to 11 Aug 2011 - Special issue
> (#2011-650)
>
>
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