Effectiveness of Highly Purified Anhydrous Lanolin Versus Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil in Preventing Subacute Lactation Mastitis.

PROBLEM: This study was designed to test the effectiveness of the application of extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO) versus highly purified anhydrous (HPA) lanolin in preventing nipple pain and cracking with the goal of preventing subacute lactation mastitis in breastfeeding women during the first 6 weeks postpartum. METHOD: Randomized controlled study design using random assignment was conducted in a large urban hospital in the southern part of the United States. PROCEDURE: Participants assigned to the control group received the standard postpartum breast care cream-HPA lanolin-to prevent nipple pain and cracking while the other group was assigned to receive the experimental product of EVCO for breast care. Both products were dispensed by the research pharmacist prior to hospital discharge following an uncomplicated singleton birth. Measures of study variables were completed at baseline, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks postpartum using the Storr Nipple Tenderness Scale (NTS) and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPS). RESULTS: A total of 97 participants agreed to participate in the study, and 47 were enrolled. Due to high attrition, only 27 participants completed the full 6 weeks of the study. This early work suggests that EVCO was more effective than HPA lanolin in preventing nipple trauma and cracking (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Study findings suggest that EVCO should be considered as a frontline treatment for aid in preventing subacute lactation mastitis.