1Lecturer, Faran College of Nursing, Bangalore, India
2Principal, Rufaida College of Nursing, New Delhi, India
3Assistant Professor, Rufaida College of Nursing, New Delhi, India
*Coressponding Author: Ajee Tomy Mathew Lecturer, Faran College of Nursing, Bangalore, India Email: ajeetomy@gmail.com
Online published on 10 May, 2018.
A Randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of fenugreek (methi) versus fennel (saunf) on lactation among lactating women in a selected community of New Delhi. The objectives of the study were to assess and compare the effects of fenugreek and fennel on lactation among lactating women, to compare the average ideal weight gain of babies according to their age and the obtained weight gain and to find association between lactation and selected demographic variables.
The conceptual framework for the study was based on Ludwig von Bertalanffy Systems model. Quantitative approach was selected with ‘randomized controlled pre-test post-test design’. 30 samples were chosen using convenient sampling technique and randomly allocated into experimental and control group using lottery method. The tools used were subject data sheet and test weight of the baby done using a digital baby weighing machine.
The mean post lactational levels (4.73) after administration of fennel tea (experimental group) was higher than the mean pre lactational levels (4.56). The mean post lactational levels (4.75) after administration of fenugreek tea (control group) was higher than the mean pre lactational levels (4.58). The mean obtained weight gain of babies after intervention (0.16) was higher than the mean average (approx.) ideal weight gain (0.13) according to their respective ages. The mean post lactational levels in the experimental group (4.73) was lower than the mean post lactational levels (4.75) in the control group. The results indicated that both fenugreek and fennel were equally effective in increasing lactation and neither of them was more effective over one another. Among the demographic variables, only diet and monthly family income had statistical significant association with lactation.
Both fenugreek and fennel were found to be effective in increasing lactation.
Fenugreek, fennel, lactation, lactating mothers, test weight of babies, effect
