Effect of Breast Milk versus Lanolin on Healing of Sore Nipple among Postnatal Lactating Mothers

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University

2 Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University

3 Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, South Valley University

Abstract

Nipple soreness is considered one of the most common short-term problems among mothers. Nipple
soreness can usually be corrected in a matter of days which causes pain and discomfort for the
mothers to continue breastfeeding. Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of breast milk versus
lanolin on healing of sore nipple among postnatal Lactating mothers. Research design: A quasi
experimental research design was used. Settings: The study was conducted in obstetrics
departments at Qena General Hospital and South Valley university hospital. Subjects: A purposive
sample of 120 postnatal lactating mothers with nipple soreness diagnosed in their first postpartum
week were selected, the selected subjects were randomly divided into two equal study groups. Tools
of data collection: Six tools were used to collect data namely: A structured interview questionnaire;
Women's' knowledge related to breast feeding, breast feeding observation checklist; Visual
analogue scale; nipple trauma scale and nipple soreness scale. Results: Findings demonstrated that
the mean score of nipple pain and nipple soreness were significantly decreased among the breast
milk group than lanolin group in the seventh and fourteenth day of intervention. There was a
statistically significant difference between the two groups in favor of the breast milk in caring of
nipple pain and nipple soreness in the seventh and fourteenth days of intervention. Conclusion: The
study concluded that breast milk was more effective in healing of sore nipple than lanolin
application among postnatal lactating mothers. Recommendations: Further studies are
recommended to gain more insight into the effectiveness of breast milk in treating nipple soreness.
Nurses and mothers must be educated about evidence-based practice in nipple soreness prevention
and treatment.
 

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