Comparative Effectiveness of Olive Oil and Breast Milk on Nipple Soreness in Breastfeeding Mothers

Background: Breastfeeding has health benefits for both mothers and children. Nipple problems may result in the child being weaned prematurely before the recommended 6 months minimum period of exclusive breastfeeding. Purposes of the Study: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of topically applying olive oil and breast milk in treating nipple pain and soreness in breastfeeding mothers during the early postpartum period. Methods: A quasi-randomized controlled trial was conducted in a maternity ward of a medical center in northern Taiwan. Eighty breastfeeding mothers were recruited, and randomly assigned to the olive oil or breast milk group. Visual analogue pain scale (intensity of nipple pain) and nipple soreness scores were collected at 24, 48, and 72 hours after delivery. Differences in postintervention outcomes between groups were examined using the Generalized Estimating Equation model. Results: The results indicated that both olive oil and breast milk groups reported a significant increase in the intensity of nipple pain and nipple soreness at 24, 48, and 72 hours after delivery. However, differences in the outcome measurements between olive oil and breast milk groups were statistically insignificant at p-value >0.05. Conclusion: This study found that olive oil had similar effects on nipple pain and soreness to breast milk. In addition, most breastfeeding mothers provided positive feedback on using olive oil. Olive oil can be a safe, accessible, and alternative choice for breastfeeding mothers in treating nipple pain and soreness, especially early in the breastfeeding period. The Clinical Trail Registration Number: NCT03568370.