ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Sore nipples are common during lactation and remain the major reason for failing to establish successful breastfeeding. To formulate a peppermint gel and to evaluate its effect on the prevention of nipple crack associated with breast-feeding, a randomized double-blinded clinical trial comparing the above formulation with modified lanolin and a neutral ointment was carried out. MATERIAL/METHODS: Two hundred and sixteen primiparous participants were assigned randomly to three groups. Each group applied only one of the above three preparations on both breasts for 14 days. Each group consisted of 72 primiparous mothers and was seen for a maximum of four follow-up visits within 14 days and a final visit at week 6. The rate of nipple and areola crack and pain was evaluated. RESULTS: The study groups were comparable in mean age and route of delivery. Nipple crack were less in mothers who received peppermint gel than in those who received lanolin ointment or placebo (chi(2)=16.8, df=6, P=0.01). Relative risk of nipple crack in the lanolin group (RR: 2.41, 95%CI: 1.20-3.01) was higher than in the peppermint group (RR: 1.85, 95%CI: 1.64-3.10). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic peppermint gel in breastfeeding lactating women is associated with fewer nipple cracks and is more effective than lanolin and placebo. It could be recommended for preventing of nipple crack along with teaching better breastfeeding technique at the initiation of breastfeeding.
Subject(s)
Breast Diseases/pathology , Breast Diseases/prevention & control , Breast Feeding , Lanolin/pharmacology , Mentha piperita/chemistry , Nipples/drug effects , Parity , Administration, Cutaneous , Adult , Female , Gels/administration & dosage , Gels/pharmacology , Humans , Infant Formula , Lanolin/administration & dosage , Male , Ointments/administration & dosage , Ointments/pharmacology , Placebos , Pregnancy , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nipple pain and damage in breastfeeding mothers are common causes of premature breastfeeding cessation. Peppermint water is popularly used for the prevention of nipple cracks in the North West of Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of peppermint water in the prevention of nipple cracks during breastfeeding in comparison with the application of expressed breast milk (EBM). METHODS: One hundred and ninety-six primiparous breastfeeding women who gave birth between February and May 2005 in a teaching hospital in Tabriz, Iran, were randomized to receive either peppermint water or EBM. Each woman was followed for up to three visits or telephone calls within 14 days and then by telephone call at week six postpartum. RESULTS: Women who were randomized to receive peppermint water were less likely to experience nipple and areola cracks (9%) compared to women using EBM (27%; p < 0.01). Women who used the peppermint water on a daily basis were less likely to have a cracked nipple than women who did not use peppermint water (relative risk 3.6, 95%CI: 2.9, 4.3). Nipple pain in the peppermint water group was lower than the expressed breast milk group (OR 5.6, 95% CI: 2.2, 14.6; p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that peppermint water is effective in the prevention of nipple pain and damage. Further studies are needed to assess the usefulness of peppermint water in conjunction with correct breastfeeding techniques.
