Preparation of the Breast for Breastfeeding

Prevention of and Therapies for Nipple Pain: A Systematic Review

“…The effect of skin color has been noted to be a factor in the development of sore nipples in that fair-skinned women reported more nipple soreness compared to women with olive complexions (Atkinson, 1979). In contrast, findings from other studies failed to support this notion (Brown & Hurlock, 1975;Hewat & Ellis, 1987;Ziemer et al, 1990).…”

“…Prenatal breast and nipple preparation has received some research attention. Women who performed unilateral nipple rolling (Whitley, 1978) or nipple rolling with the application of cream especially designed for the nipples of pregnant and nursing women or expression of colostrum (Brown & Hurlock, 1975) did not notice any differences in nipple pain between the conditioned and unconditioned breast. However, in a regime initiated 6 weeks prior to breastfeeding in which women served as their own control and prepared their nipples by rolling them twice daily for 2 min, applying friction with a terrycloth towel for 15 s daily, airing nipples for 2 hrs daily, and allowing outer clothing to rub against the nipple (Atkinson, 1979;Fleming, 1984), women found that this prenatal nipple conditioning regime reduced nipple pain in the first few days of breastfeeding.…”

Does Application of Tea Bags to Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding Provide Effective Relief?

“…Brown and Hurlock (1975), L'Esperance (1980), and Hewat and Ellis (1987) reported that prenatal conditioning did not prevent postpartum nipple soreness. Chavasse (1879) identified the issue as common and suggested preventive toughening of nipples by washing with cologne or equal parts of brandy and water.…”

“…Prenatal nipple preparation continued to be advised until the 1970s. Brown and Hurlock (1975), L'Esperance (1980), and Hewat and Ellis (1987) reported that prenatal conditioning did not prevent postpartum nipple soreness.…”

Effect of peppermint water on prevention of nipple cracks in lactating primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial

“…The incidence ranges from 11 to 96% [1-3]. Preparation for breastfeeding happens naturally in pregnancy [4], and the presence of 'epidermal growth factor' in breast milk has potential therapeutic benefits by promoting the growth and repair of skin cells [5,6]. Nipple damage may occur due to trauma to the nipple from incorrect attachment to the breast [7,8] and healing may be difficult because of repeated trauma from the infant's suckling [9].…”