Comparison the Effect of Foeniculum Vulgare Miller (Fennel) on Serum Prolactin and Weight Gain with the Effect of Domperidone and Placebo in Yasuj city in 2018

Breastfeeding is an economic and valuable method to protect infant health during the life and provides unique biological and emotional effect for mothers and infants.  Objectives: This study was designed to compare effect of fennel on maternal serum prolactin level and neonatal weight gain to effect of domperidone and placebo on these variables.  Research method and materials: In this study 150 volunteer mothers participating in the study were randomly assigned into three equal groups: Placebo group 50 cases, domperidone group 50 cases and Fennel group 50 cases. Participants used placebo, domperidone tablets and fennel seeds powder for 14 days. Serum prolactin levels of mothers were measured with ELISA method before and after interventions. The weight of mothers, newborns were measured using digital scales on birth day, 14th and 28th days of study.  Results: Mean serum prolactin level of the mothers before and after intervention in all three groups were not significantly different (p value in the Placebo group was 0.091, in the Domperidone group was 0.198 and in the Fennel group was 0.646). The mean weight of neonates at the 14th day and 28th day in three groups didn’t show any significant difference (P value: 0.624 and 0.826). Conclusion: the intervention in each group had no significant effect on the serum prolactin level of lactating mothers and weight gain of newborns.