Effect of Oral Ginger with Early Feeding versus Early Feeding Alone on Breast Milk Volume in Scheduled Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effect of oral ginger supplementation, in combination with early maternal oral feeding, on breast milk volume in women undergoing scheduled C-section.
Material and methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included women scheduled for C-section. Participants were allocated into two groups. At 6 hours postpartum, the intervention group received 200 mL of a sweetened clear solution along with oral ginger capsules (1.5 g daily in three divided doses), while the control group received the same solution with identical placebo capsules (1.5 g fine brown sugar). The primary outcome was breast milk volume, measured at 72 hours postpartum after a two-hour breast emptying period.
Results: Between August 2024 and May 2025, a total of 84 participants were randomized (n=42 per group). The ginger group showed a significantly higher median breast milk volume at 72 hours postpartum (20 mL [IQR 14–35]) compared to the placebo group (10.5 mL [IQR 9–15]; p <0.001). The self-reported time to onset of lactation was significantly shorter in the ginger group (59 hours vs. 69 hours; p <0.001). No serious adverse events were noted.
Conclusion: Oral ginger supplementation combined with early maternal oral feeding significantly increased breast milk volume and shortened the time to the onset of lactation in women following scheduled C-section without serious adverse events.
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