A new study finds that directed use of Lansinoh® HPA® Lanolin results in a marked reduction of nipple pain associated with breastfeeding and significantly higher healing rates of nipple trauma, compared to application of expressed breastmilk. The study, "Positive Effect of HPA Lanolin versus Expressed Breastmilk on Painful and Damaged Nipples during Lactation," was conducted by Drs. M. Abou-Dakn, J.W. Fluhr, M. Gensch, and A. Wockel and published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. The researchers concluded that "the current recommendation for any topical treatment of sore nipples during breastfeeding should be revised in favor of HPA lanolin."1

"As we know breastfeeding duration rates remain low, according to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It is our goal to continue to bring products to the market that are helpful for breastfeeding moms and may in return increase duration of their breastfeeding experience," say Gina Ciagne, CLC, Senior Director of Breastfeeding Relations, Lansinoh Laboratories, Inc. "Sore, dry, or cracked nipples can be one of the main barriers to overcome as a breastfeeding mom. HPA® Lanolin has been proven effective in overcoming this barrier. Relieving pain and healing nipples as quickly and efficiently as possible, in addition to working with a professional who can help determine the underlying cause of the pain and skin damage, are crucial to enabling moms to establish breastfeeding and continue for as long as they can."

A total of 84 breastfeeding women experiencing nipple pain within 72 hours after birth participated in the study, which was conducted at two Baby-Friendly Hospitals in Berlin, Germany. Forty-five participants were treated with Lansinoh® HPA® Lanolin, an ultra-pure, preservative-free and medical grade ointment that creates a breathable, temporary barrier which promotes moist wound healing. Thirty-nine participants were treated with their own expressed breastmilk (EBM). All study participants received the same, intensive breastfeeding education. Physicians, blinded to the treatment method, later identified and rated nipple trauma based on the following factors on day three, seven, and 14 after enrollment: nipple pain; nipple trauma; healing rates; and breastfeeding duration, complications, and maternal stress. During each visit, standardized photographs were taken of both nipples to later identify and rate nipple trauma. Nipple trauma was defined as macroscopically visible changes of the mammilla and areola of at least one breast.

Findings include the following:

- Nipple Pain. The difference in mothers' self-reported pain intensity was significant on all days after the first use of either EBM or HPA® Lanolin. In the group using HPA® Lanolin, nipple pain began to decrease with the commencement of treatment, while in the group using expressed breastmilk, pain intensity initially increased and peaked on the third day postpartum. In numbers: There was a pain reduction on day three after enrollment in 65 percent of the examined breasts in the group using HPA® Lanolin, whereas in the group using EBM, this number was only 30 percent, while pain intensity increased in 48 percent.

- Nipple Trauma. Ninety percent of participants who reported nipple pain also showed nipple trauma. A difference in physician-rated nipple trauma could be observed on all days except the day of enrollment, with trauma being significantly lower in the HPA® Lanolin treatment group.

- Healing Rates. After initiating the topical treatment the group using HPA® Lanolin showed a greater number of healed nipples on all days, whereas in the EBM group there was an increase of new skin defects until day three after enrollment.

- Breastfeeding Duration, Complications, and Maternal Stress. In the first 14 days of treatment six out of 39 (15.4 percent) mothers using EBM stopped breastfeeding, while only three of the 45 (6.7 percent) mothers using HPA® Lanolin stopped breastfeeding. Furthermore, the study found a difference in the pattern of complications: In the HPA® Lanolin group only four mothers developed breast engorgement and none developed mastitis, while in the EBM group eight suffered engorgement and three developed mastitis.

The authors of the study conclude that: "The appropriate use of HPA lanolin results in a significant reduction of pain associated with breastfeeding and significantly higher healing rates of nipple trauma within 14 days of topical treatment. Benefits are most pronounced within the first 3 days of treatment. It should be noted and emphasized that there was no correlation between pain score and wound score in either group, which should be taken into consideration when advising breastfeeding mothers with painful nipples."

The use of expressed breastmilk as a treatment for nipple pain and trauma is widely recommended though evidence-based research of its effectiveness is lacking. Lansinoh Laboratories, Inc. began 25 years ago, under the leadership of a breastfeeding mom who experienced nipple pain and, therefore, understood this barrier to breastfeeding. Lansinoh developed an ultra-pure lanolin product that helped the mom-baby pair breastfeed comfortably, and has continued to make improvements.

Lansinoh® HPA® Lanolin is specifically developed to help soothe, heal, and protect sore and cracked nipples. Hypoallergenic, it can be safely and confidently used by those allergic to other brands and grades of lanolin. It is a single-ingredient product and is refined with a natural process during which no bleaching occurs and no extra ingredients are added. It is the only topical nipple cream endorsed in the U.S. by La Leche League International.

1 Drs. M. Abou-Dakn, J.W. Fluhr, M. Gensch, and A. Wockel, "Positive Effect of HPA Lanolin versus Expressed Breastmilk on Painful and Damaged Nipples during Lactation," Skin Pharmacology and Physiology 24 (2011): 27-35.

Source:
Lansinoh Laboratories, Inc.