Lanolin Treatment for Nipple Pain
The Proper Use of Nipple Ointment for Breastfeeding Mothers
Lanolin is often recommended for nipple pain during breastfeeding. However, nursing mothers may not be informed of how to use nipple creams properly.
Sore nipples are a common problem for the breastfeeding mother. Many breastfeeding women turn to topical treatments, such as lanolin, to treat nipple pain. Unfortunately, though lanolin can be helpful to some nursing mothers, many breastfeeding women misuse this nipple ointment. It is important to understand the proper usage of lanolin and other topical ointments used for breastfeeding before beginning treatment.
Medical Uses
Lanolin is a grease that is secreted from wool-bearing animals, such as sheep. Because it is hypoallergenic and impedes the growth of bacteria, medical grade lanolin is used as a cream to soothe skin. In addition to its use as a nipple treatment during breastfeeding, it has also been used to treat chapped lips, diaper rash, and various cuts and abrasions of the skin. Lanolin is marketed under various names such as Lansinoh and Purelan. However, the only nipple ointment approved by The La Leche League International for breastfeeding use is Lansinoh.
How It Helps the Breastfeeding Mother
Lanolin provides a moist healing environment. The advantage of moist wound healing is that it prevents evaporation of internal moisture, thereby preventing the formation of scabs on the nipple. It is also possible that the gliding nature of lanolin eases abrasive rubbing from clothing on the nipples.
Results of Clinical Trials
Lanolin is a very popular treatment among nursing mothers. Numerous breastfeeding mothers swear that lanolin was their saving grace in the treatment of their cracked nipples. However, most clinical trials do not indicate that lanolin ointment facilitates faster healing in the treatment of sore nipples. Further, one study indicated that the best method of prevention and treatment of sore nipples is education and not topical treatments (Morbacher and Stock 20003).
Timing of Use to Ease Nipple Pain During Breastfeeding
Many old wives' tales advise mothers to "prepare" the nipples for breastfeeding by applying lanolin during pregnancy. There is absolutely nothing that mothers need to do to prepare their nipples. Lanolin is used to promote healing. It will not prevent the occurrence of sore nipples. The best method of preventing sore nipples is proper instruction and education of latch on technique. For more information on how to prepare for breastfeeding see: Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms
Use Ointment Properly to Promote Healing
Mothers who choose to use lanolin should begin by patting the nipples dry. A large amount of lanolin is absolutely not necessary. All that is required is a small pea-sized amount for each nipple. It should be gently rubbed onto the sore area. Use the lanolin to fill any cracks in the nipple. There is no need to wash off the cream before nursing. Lanolin can be applied after each feeding. To prevent breast pads from sticking to the nipple area, lanolin can also be applied to the pads. Excessive use of lanolin may keep the nipples too soft. As pain subsides, mothers should wean themselves off of the ointment.
Although research does not indicate that lanolin speeds recovery, many breastfeeding mothers stand behind its use to treat cracked nipples. Mothers should understand that lanolin will not prevent problems from occurring, but rather it is a way to possibly ease pain and promote healing. If lanolin is the choice of nipple treatment, mothers should be clear on how it works and how to use the cream properly.
References:
Jahaan Martin, Nipple Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Remedies, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA From: LEAVEN, Vol. 36 No. 1, February-March 2000, pp. 10-11
Nancy Mohrbacher, Julie Stock. The Breastfeeding Answer Book, Schaumburg, Ill. : La Leche League International, 2003.
Kristine Morland-Schultz, Pamela D. Hill (2005), Prevention of and Therapies for Nipple Pain: A Systematic Review, Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing 34 (4), 428–437.
