A randomized Controlled Study on the Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Compared to Breast Milk on Painful and Damaged Nipples During Lactation

Abstract

Painful and damaged nipples during lactation are common causes of premature breast feeding cessation. The applications of different non-pharmacological products to soothe and heal nipples are widely recommended. Aim: to evaluate the effects of extra virgin olive oil compared to breast milk on painful and damaged nipples during lactation. Design: Randomized controlled trial was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at postpartum unit in Menoufia university Hospital Maternity, Maternal and Child Health Center, Menoufia, Egypt. Sample: A simple random sample of 120 postpartum women were recruited & randomly assigned into 2 groups 60 women for each. The First group subjects were requested to apply extra virgin olive oil to their nipples twice daily after breastfeeding & the second group subjects were asked to apply breast milk. Tools of data collection: 1- Structured interview questionnaire to collect socio- demographic and medical data II- Visual Analogue Pain Scale to assess the subject's level of pain intensity during breastfeeding III- Nipple Trauma Score to assess the nipple trauma & evaluate healing rates of breasts. Results: There were statistically significant differences between extra virgin olive oil and breast milk groups with extra virgin olive oil group have significant lower nipple pain, lower nipple trauma, & better nipple trauma healing than breast milk group on the 3rd, 7th & 14th day (p Value <0.01). Conclusion: The application of extra virgin olive oil has better effect on painful and damaged nipples during lactation than breast milk. Recommendations: raising awareness of lactating mothers regarding the beneficial effect of extra virgin olive oil on nipple trauma and pain and how to apply it through a programmed postpartum care.