Effectiveness of the Application of Lanolin, Aloe Vera, and Peppermint on Nipple Pain and Nipple Trauma in Lactating Mothers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Infants who are not exclusively breastfed are more vulnerable to gastroenteritis, respiratory illness, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Mothers who do not breastfeed their infants are at a higher risk of cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence regarding the effectiveness of applying lanolin, aloe vera, and peppermint for alleviating nipple pain and nipple trauma among lactating mothers. Methods Electronic databases, including PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Clinical Key, were searched for studies published in English from January 2000 to December 2022. Nipple pain and nipple trauma were the primary outcomes analysed, and a meta-analysis was conducted via RevMan v5.4. Results The reviewed trials involved 1,495 participants from 11 studies, with an average participant age of 29 ± 5 years. The application of lanolin significantly reduced nipple pain and nipple trauma in lactating mothers. The application of peppermint significantly reduced nipple trauma in lactating mothers. Conclusion The application of lanolin or peppermint is a beneficial preventive intervention for reducing nipple trauma and pain. Significance Problem or Issue Despite the existing literature on maternity care, breastfeeding women often experience sore nipples, mastitis, and nipple pain. Topical applications are becoming more popular than systemic administration. However, the role and nature of these topical applications remain unclear. What is already known The initiation of breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of successful maternal care. Mothers’ milk provides balanced nutrients essential for growth and development, as well as antibodies that protect newborns from potentially harmful microbes. Therefore, breastfeeding and proper breast care are vital components of maternity care. What this Paper Adds Compared with routine or usual care, lanolin, aloe vera, and peppermint have a significant effect on nipple pain and trauma. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the findings and provides strong evidence for their use in maternity care.