Purified lanolin in nipple creams is safe for babies and does not need to be removed prior to nursing or pumping.
You can also lubricate your breast pump parts with a small amount of lanolin. Doing so will help the pumping be more comfortable and will allow the pump to draw in more of the breast.
Breast Care for the Sore or Injured Nipple
may be used to lubricate the nipple just before pumping. Apply cool moist cloths to your breasts after pumping. Cold or ice packs can also be applied to the breast on top of clothing for up to 20 minutes.
If the pressure of your clothing or your bra causes further discomfort for your nipples, apply ultrapure lanolin after feedings to help soothe, protect, and heal nipples, then use breast shells with large openings.
Helping your nipples heal
We recommend a non-irritating moisturizer to help your nipples heal. After each feed / pumping, apply Petrolatum (Vaseline, Aquaphor or generic equivalent) or Zinc Oxide to both nipples and wear a cotton bra.
1-2 drops of vegetable cooking oil (olive, canola, corn etc.) may be used to lubricate the nipple just before pumping. After every pumping, apply modified lanolin cream or ointment, such as Lansinoh or Tender Care Lanolin. Apply cool moist cloths to your breasts after pumping.
Summary of the key points
If using creams, apply after feeds. Most do not need to be washed off before the next feed, though if using creams/gauze containing antibiotics its worth wiping off any excess before a feed.
In the first day before intervention the mean score of nipple soreness was 4.34±0.70 & 4.53±0.54 for the breast milk and lanolin groups, respectively. No statistical significant difference was found between the two groups (P=0.743).
If skin is especially dry or damaged, a small amount of purified natural wool-based emollient, also known as lanolin, may be applied to nipples and areolae. Lanolin supports moist wound healing.
Lanolin's beneficial effects on the human skin and hair have been known and valued by humans for thousands of years. The natural emollient is absorbed by the skin, restoring its correct moisture balance and softness without impairing natural skin functions.
Wash your nipples with just water, as soaps can remove your natural lubrication. This lubrication prevents your nipples from drying out and cracking while nursing. After each feeding, put a few drops of breastmilk on your nipples. This helps to moisturize your nipple and fight off possible infections.
Others recommend massaging in a circular motion, similar to a breast self-exam. Make sure to massage your breast for about 1–3 minutes before you put the flanges on your breasts and begin pumping. For some women, this will be enough stimulation for them to pump the amount of milk they wish.
Breast compression is a method where you put a little extra pressure on your milk glands by gently squeezing your breast. Compressions stimulate your letdown and increase the milk flow, and can be very helpful to both elicit your milk letdown and to keep the milk flowing during your pumping session.
Lanolin sensitivity can cause an itchy and tingling feeling on your nipples, rash and swelling which can worsen over time if not appropriately addressed or stopped.
Side effects of lanolin include: Skin burning, stinging, redness, or irritation. Unusual changes in the skin (e.g., turning white/soft/soggy from too much wetness) (rare) Signs of skin infection (rare)
Soften a pea-sized amount between fingers and apply to the entire nipple area after each feeding or as needed. Apply before showering to protect sensitive nipples. No need to remove before breastfeeding.
Medical-grade lanolin is not very poisonous. Nonmedical grade lanolin sometimes causes a minor skin rash. Lanolin is similar to wax, so eating large amounts of it can cause a blockage in the intestines.
Overdose. Excessive application of lanolin is unlikely to cause any serious effects, it may make the skin white and soft. Symptoms should resolve with discontinuation of lanolin application.
In general, lanolin can be used daily and is found in many different skincare products and formulations.
If your sore nipples are causing you so much discomfort that you feel like you need to take a break from breastfeeding, don't worry! You can still use a breast pump to express your milk. This will give your nipples a rest, while allowing you to continue to give your baby all the benefits breastmilk can provide.
They found lanolin to be superior to APNO using a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Both mastitis and nipple Candida symptoms were measured at 12 weeks by self-report. Mastitis was reported in 4.1% of the APNO group and 2.7% of the lanolin group.
Health care providers often recommend the application of lanolin to treat painful and/or damaged nipples.
Research shows warm, moist heat is soothing for sore nipples and can help your skin heal faster. To use moist heat, run a clean washcloth or cloth diaper under warm (not hot) water, squeeze out the extra water and place it directly over your nipple.
Once you are done the pumping, just wipe the nipples with a clean cloth. It doesn t need any special care. 7. If your nipples feel sore (ideally, it should not) then use warm compressors to soothe the area.
You do not need to wash your breasts/chest before or after feeding or expressing milk. You can let your milk dry on your nipples after feedings.