Effect of Lanolin and Breastmilk in the Treatment of Sore and Damaged Nipples in Breastfeeding Women
Effect of Lanolin and Breastmilk in the Treatment of Sore and Damaged Nipples in Breastfeeding Women
A randomized controlled study will be conducted at the accredited Baby Friendly Hospital in
 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study will include primiparas who have established breast
 feeding at the maternity ward and developed symptoms of painful and sore nipples within 72
 hours from childbirth. Participants will be allocated in two groups and will receive
 education prior to the study.
Recent studies show that early termination of breastfeeding is often associated with painful
 and sore nipples. Although health professionals recommend various treatments for painful and
 sore nipples, including alternative treatments, there is currently not enough evidence to
 recommend specific treatment of painful and sore nipples in lactating women. The primary
 objective of this study is to compare the effect of lanolin administration and the
 application of breast milk on the intensity of pain and healing of damaged nipples during
 breastfeeding. Subjects in the lanolin group will apply lanolin on each nipple and areola
 after each feeding while subjects in the breast milk group will apply several drops of milk
 on the nipple after each feed and allow them to air dry. In both groups, the treatment will
 last for 7 days or until the symptoms of pain and nipple damage have ceased. The main outcome
 measure is pain, which will be assessed through three time points and will be measured using
 an abridged version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Nipple damage will be assessed by means
 of a validated assessment tool, the Nipple trauma score. Secondary outcome measures will
 include breastfeeding efficacy, duration of any/exclusive breastfeeding, reasons for stopping
 breastfeeding and satisfaction with proposed treatment.The contribution of this study will be
 reflected in efficient treatment, better care of health professional in the prevention and
 treatment of damaged and sore nipples, and the study will also contribute in defining the
 guidelines for the development of procedure in midwifery practice for the treatment of
 painful and damaged nipples.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Primiparas who have given birth to infants born at full term at between 37-41 weeks
 gestation

 -  Mothers complaint of nipple pain with any sign of nipple trauma to one or both
 nipples,

 -  Access to telephone

 -  Signed Informed consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Primiparas with mental disorders

 -  Mothers allergy to lanolin

 -  Mothers with abnormal nipples

 -  Breast hypoplasia

 -  Infant with cleft palate

 -  Ankyloglossia

 -  Unsigned Informed consent