Factors Associated with Nipple Lesions in Puerperae

Abstract

This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with nipple lesion development in puerperae. Analyses were performed using the Poisson regression with robust variance. The level of significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05). We evaluated 1270 puerperae, among whom 193 (15.4%) presented with nipple lesions. The condition was more prevalent among the mothers who did not receive information about breastfeeding [PR, 1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19-2.42], those who underwent cesarean delivery (PR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.02-2.16), those who used a pacifier (prevalence ratios (PR), 2.04; 95% CI, 1.05-3.95), those who used baby formula only (PR, 1.61; 95% CI, 4.82-5.36) and those who used baby formula combined with breastfeeding (PR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.06-2.45). A lower incidence of nipple lesions was observed among those who did not receive information on hand expression of breast milk (PR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.46-0.93) and those who did not breastfeed in the first hour of life (PR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.38-0.97).

Effects of Anhydrous Lanolin versus Breast Milk Combined with a Breast Shell for the Treatment of Nipple Trauma and Pain During Breastfeeding: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…In the first weeks of breastfeeding, the incidence of nipple trauma is 15.9% to 62.9%, and the incidence of nipple pain is 36% to 79% . Because of the pain caused by nipple trauma, women may feel insecure about breastfeeding during the early postpartum period which can lead to overall dissatisfaction and early weaning …”

Consequences of Using Artificial Nipples in Exclusive Breastfeeding: An Integrative Review

“…Nipple pain is related to breast trauma and infections, such as nipple fissures and candidiasis. Therefore, it has been shown that the use of pacifiers and feeding bottles is associated with a higher rate of nipple injury because it can potentially change the sucking pattern and interfere with a proper breastfeeding latch (54). In an Iranian study, pacifier use was a significant risk factor for acute mastitis in the first four weeks and between weeks 5 and 12 postpartum, being associated with duct obstruction, as the infant does not fully empty the breast, in addition to oral contamination with the transmission of pathogens to the breast (55).…”