How to Help Cracked, Tender and Sore Nipples
Commentary:
In the study cited below, 300 lactating women were divided into two groups of 150 women each. Group 1 applied Extra Virgin Olive Oil to the nipples after nursing and Group 2 applied breastmilk to the nipples after nursing. The goal was to evaluate the efficacy of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for the prevention and potential treatment of Cracked Nipples, Tender Nipples and/or Sore Nipples. As, we have written about previously, Sore, Cracked and Tender Nipples are the number one reason Mother's quit nursing. So, a prophylactic, natural treatment is critical for nursing success.
The results of the study are quite compelling. What the investigators discovered was a 97.3% efficacy of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the prevention of cracked nipples. A high prevention rate allows mothers to continue nursing full-time; sustaining milk supply and potentially increasing the health of the child.
We further postulate that the phenolics in Extra Virgin Olive Oil played a leading role in the success of applying Extra Virgin Olive Oil to the cracked nipples. The phenolic compounds are responsible for many of the desired effects in a potent nipple cream/oil. Such as anti-inflammatory to reduce the tenderness and soreness of the nipples experienced while nursing. Secoiridoids that help the triglycerides and squalene penetrate deep into the skin giving moisture where it is needed most and anti-bacterial properties that help stave off infections and puss.
All in all, what we take away from this study is that extremely high phenolic extra virgin olive oil (like SUPER-OLI) is the best natural nipple ointment/oil available.
TITLE:
Application of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to Prevent Nipple Cracking in Lactating Women.
AUTHOR INFO:
Cordero MJ1, Villar NM2, Barrilao RG3, Cortés ME4, López AM1.
1 Research Group CTS 367, Andalusia, Spain, and Nursing Department, University of Granada, Spain. 2 Research Group CTS 367, Andalusia, Spain, and University of Medical Sciences, Cienfuegos, Cuba. 3 Nursing Department, University of Granada, Spain. 4 Mathematical Sciences, University of Technical Sciences, Cienfuegos, Cuba.