The Effects of Quince Seed Jelly and Human Milk on Nipple Fissures During Early Postpartum

Abstract

Purpose: In experimental studies, it has been reported that the jelly made from the quince seed is effective in healing wounds and has no side effects or contraindications. This study was conducted to determine the effect of quince seed jelly and human milk, respectively, used in the early postpartum period, on nipple fissures. Material and Methods: The research was a randomised controlled study. In total, 426 mothers who met the research criteria were selected for the study, which was conducted at the obstetrics and gynaecology department of two hospitals between 2015–2017 in Sivas city of Turkey. The 426 mothers were distributed equally into three groups (n=142 per group): the human milk, quince seed jelly and the control group. Mothers in the intervention groups applied quince seed jelly and human milk, respectively, on their nipples and areola after every breastfeeding. All mothers were evaluated for nipple fissures on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 10th days postpartum. Results: Mothers with the highest number of problems in the first 10 days postpartum belonged to the control group (61.3%-62%), followed by the human milk group (19%), whereas, the quince seed group experienced the least problems (2.8%-5.6%, p