Postpartum Use of Shavari Bar® Improves Breast Milk Output: A Double-Blind, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Herbal Medicine
• Nutritional Science
• Maternal and Child Health

Background:

• Establishing lactation is crucial for maternal and infant nutrition.
• Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) is a traditional galactagogue, but its palatability is a challenge.
• A palatable, nutritionally rich Shatavari formulation (Shavari Bar®) was developed without artificial ingredients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an oral Shatavari formulation (Shavari Bar®) on breast milk output in postpartum women.
• To assess the impact of the formulation on the time to breast fullness and overall breastfeeding experience.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 78 postpartum women.
• Participants received either the Shatavari-oat bar (Shavari Bar®) or an identical placebo bar.
• Breast milk volume was measured 72 hours postpartum or after consuming four bars; time to breast fullness was also recorded.

Main Results:

• The Shavari Bar® group showed significantly higher mean total milk volume (64.74 ml) compared to placebo (49.69 ml; p=0.008).
• Time to breast fullness was significantly shorter in the Shavari Bar® group (30.49 hours) versus placebo (38.09 hours; p=0.024).
• Maternal satisfaction with lactation, infant well-being, taste, and ease of use were superior in the treatment arm; no adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

• The Shavari Bar® is an effective option for postpartum women to promote early lactation.
• This formulation can enhance breastfeeding confidence as a non-pharmacological intervention.
• The palatable Shatavari bar addresses a key limitation of traditional herbal galactagogues.