A randomized Controlled Study on the Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Compared to Breast Milk on Painful and Damaged Nipples During Lactation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Family and Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt.

2 Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt

3 Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt.

4 Maternity, Gynecology and Obstetrics Nursing, Port-Said University, Egypt

5 Associate professor, Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

Painful and damaged nipples during lactation are common causes of premature breast feeding
cessation. The applications of different non-pharmacological products to soothe and heal nipples are
widely recommended. Aim: to evaluate the effects of extra virgin olive oil compared to breast milk
on painful and damaged nipples during lactation. Design: Randomized controlled trial was utilized.
Setting: The study was conducted at postpartum unit in Menoufia university Hospital Maternity,
Maternal and Child Health Center, Menoufia, Egypt. Sample: A simple random sample of 120
postpartum women were recruited & randomly assigned into 2 groups 60 women for each. The First
group subjects were requested to apply extra virgin olive oil to their nipples twice daily after
breastfeeding & the second group subjects were asked to apply breast milk. Tools of data collection:
1- Structured interview questionnaire to collect socio- demographic and medical data II- Visual
Analogue Pain Scale to assess the subject's level of pain intensity during breastfeeding III- Nipple
Trauma Score to assess the nipple trauma & evaluate healing rates of breasts. Results: There were
statistically significant differences between extra virgin olive oil and breast milk groups with extra
virgin olive oil group have significant lower nipple pain, lower nipple trauma, & better nipple
trauma healing than breast milk group on the 3rd, 7th & 14th day (p Value <0.01). Conclusion: The
application of extra virgin olive oil has better effect on painful and damaged nipples during lactation
than breast milk. Recommendations: raising awareness of lactating mothers regarding the beneficial
effect of extra virgin olive oil on nipple trauma and pain and how to apply it through a programmed
postpartum care.

Keywords

Egyptian Journal of Health Care
Volume 11, Issue 4
December 2020
Pages 702-714

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