EJMS

Abstract

Sore nipples are common during lactation and remain the major reason for failing to establish successful breastfeeding. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of lanolin on traumatic nipples for lactating mother. Intervention study was used at the postnatal unit of Ain Shams Maternity University Hospital through purposive technique, 50 women were included in the study, and were subjected to the following criteria: breastfed with painful & damaged nipples during first three month after childbirth, different types of delivery, different parity, medically diagnosed for damaged nipples, healthy women (free from medical disease), and have healthy infant. Data were collected through three tools: Tool 1: A Structured interview sheet was developed to collect the mother's data and knowledge. Tool 2: Visual Analogue Scale was conducted to assess nipple pain pre& post intervention. Tool 3: The Nipple Trauma Score (NTS) was conducted to assess traumatic nipple pre& post intervention in addition to Arabic educational leaflet. Results of the study illustrated that all mothers suffered from different degrees of nipple trauma, the majority of mothers have poor knowledge about breastfeeding practice &measures regarding to traumatic nipple, all mothers hadn't any reaction toward nipple trauma in the first days of delivery. Lanolin is effective to relieve nipple trauma. The study concluded that the use of lanolin combined with instruction related to breast feeding& measures to relieve nipple trauma could have some beneficial effects in the treatment of traumatic nipple. Recommendations: Counseling program should be developed for women during pregnancy &immediate postpartum period about prevention and treatment of traumatic nipple. Further studies are still needed to assess the effect of breast feeding position on the occurrence of nipple trauma.