Effects of Lanolin on nipple pain of breastfeeding mothers

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of expressed breastmilk vs. lanolin in the treatment of painful and damaged nipples associated with breastfeeding. DESIGN: A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating a sample of 45 lactating mothers. Women who developed sore nipples within 72 hours post delivery were recruited, and, after informed consent, randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group used purified lanolin on the nipples after each feeding, the other group was instructed to rub expressed breastmilk on the nipples after each feeding. All women received the same breastfeeding education regarding proper positioning and attachment of the infant (by a certified lactation consultant) as stated in the hospitals protocol. Patients also were seen on the 3rd day after delivery and on day 7 and 14 after the commencement of nipple pain. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain intensity during and between breastfeeds was assessed using a VAS. Photographs were taken to identify and score nipple trauma and were independently evluated by observers blinded to the type of treatment. Follow-up telephone calls were made at 4, 12 and 32 weeks to confirm breastfeeding status. Results: The group using lanolin showed a faster decrease of pain intensity during and between breastfeeds that reached statistic significance. In this group, nipple pain began to decrease with the commencement of treatment, while in the group using expressed breast milk, pain intensity initially increased and peaked on the 3rd day post partum. No relationship could be found between nipple pain and visible nipple trauma. Complications in terms of mastitis were only observed in the group using breast milk. There was no difference in breastfeeding duration between the two groups. Conclusion: Anhydrous lanolin is suitable for the treatment of sore and damaged nipples asociated with breastfeeding and is more effective than expressed breastmilk in reducing nipple pain.