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NCT Number: NCT07082959

The Effect of Nursing Pillow Use on Nipple Pain and Comfort

Many factors influence breastfeeding. Nipple pain and comfort are among these factors and can negatively impact the breastfeeding process. A nursing pillow can relieve nipple pain and increase comfort. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of breastfeeding pillow use on nipple pain and comfort.

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Key information

Conditions

Nipple Pain During Lactation Behavior Breast Feeding Comfort Feeding Behavior

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Murat Dilmener Hospital

Istanbul, Bakırköy, 34140, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This study was planned to determine the effect of using a breastfeeding pillow in the postpartum period on nipple pain and maternal comfort. The breastfeeding process is a crucial period not only for ensuring the newborn's adequate nutrition but also for strengthening the bond between mother and baby. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months, and continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age. However, the sustainability of this process is directly related to the mother's physical comfort and the challenges she encounters.

Nipple pain is one of the most common problems during the breastfeeding period. It is often caused by improper latching of the baby and is one of the leading reasons for early cessation of breastfeeding. Additionally, the mother's inability to maintain a proper body position while breastfeeding may lead to physical discomforts such as back and waist pain, negatively affecting her level of comfort.

In this context, breastfeeding pillows are assistive tools designed to help mothers maintain an appropriate position during breastfeeding, aiming to reduce nipple pain and increase comfort. Although there are studies on the positive effects of breastfeeding pillows on breastfeeding success, comfort, and maternal-infant outcomes, no study has been found that specifically investigates the effect of using a breastfeeding pillow in the postpartum period on nipple pain and maternal comfort in women who had a vaginal delivery.

Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding pillow use during the postpartum period on nipple pain and maternal comfort.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Women who gave birth at 37 weeks of gestation or later
  • Women who had a vaginal delivery
  • Primiparous women
  • Women whose babies weigh 2500 grams or more
  • Women who are willing to breastfeed their babies
  • Women who can speak and understand Turkish

Exclusion criteria

  • Women who gave birth to twins or more
  • Women with previous breastfeeding experience
  • Women who experienced postpartum complications
  • Women with conditions that may prevent breastfeeding

Treatment and study plan

Nursing Pillow

Behavioral

Although there are studies investigating the effects of breastfeeding pillow use on breastfeeding success, comfort, and positive outcomes for both mother and baby, no study has been found examining the effect of breastfeeding pillow use on nipple pain and maternal comfort in women who have undergone vaginal delivery. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding pillow use on nipple pain and comfort during the postpartum period.

Primary outcomes

  1. Nipple Pain

    Time frame: It will be evaluated within the first 24 hours postpartum and on the 7th day.

    The intensity of nipple pain experienced by mothers during breastfeeding measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Comfort

    Time frame: The Postpartum Comfort Scale is a validated tool consisting of 34 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. It evaluates physical, psychospiritual, and sociocultural comfort. It will be evaluated within the first 24 hours postpartum and on the 7th day.

    Maternal comfort during breastfeeding assessed using the Postpartum Comfort Scale.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Tuğba TUĞBA Tanrıkulu, Undergraduate

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905531452958

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Nursing Pillow Use on Nipple Pain and Comfort in the Postpartum Period

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 24, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 28, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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