Comparison of Lanolin and Human Milk Treatment of Painful and Damaged Nipples: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: Painful and damaged nipples are frequently associated with breastfeeding cessation in the early postpartum period. The results of researchers’ studies utilizing different treatments have been inconclusive. Research Aim: To compare the intensity of nipple pain and the healing of damaged nipples during the first 10 days postpartum using either lanolin or human milk treatments. Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial included participants (N = 206) who were primiparous with painful and damaged nipples. Participants were recruited from the tertiary teaching hospital within the first 72 hr after delivery and randomized to the intervention group with lanolin (n = 103) and a human milk control group (n = 103). Data were collected in the maternity ward, 3 and 7 days after randomization. The primary outcome was nipple pain intensity and quality measured 3 and 7 days after randomization by the McGill Pain Questionnaire – short form. The nipple damage self-assessment questionnaire was used for the assessment of nipple healing. Breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding duration, and exclusivity were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results: Participants in both groups reported a statistically nonsignificant reduction in pain (quality and intensity of pain) as well as improved nipple healing 7 days after randomization. Participants in the lanolin group exclusively breastfed their infants 3 days after randomization—significantly more often than participants in the control group (p = .026). The study did not reveal any statistically significant differences for other secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Both lanolin and human milk are equally effective in treating painful and damaged nipples. Registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04153513)