The Effect of the Beeswax-containing Barrier on the Prevention of Nipple Crack

Current evidence-based guidelines report that the incidence of nipple cracks ranges between 34-96%. Nipple cracks generally occur in the first week after the birth and may continue in the following periods of breastfeeding. Nipple crack is the second most common reason to stop breastfeeding early, after perceived insufficient milk release. Nipple crack pain in studies has been expressed as extremely painful and terrible. It is known that breast milk, olive oil, quince seed jelly, mint juice, lanolin, jujube fruit lotion, guaiazulen pomade, aloe vera gel, menthol essence, vitamin A-E, curcumin extract, hydrogel dressings are recommended to mothers to prevent nipple cracks during breastfeeding. The prevention of nipple cracks, will successfully allow to continue breastfeeding. In this way, breastfeeding will not be interrupted and the rate of breastfeeding-only feeding will increase in the first 6 months. Using non-pharmacological, effective and therapeutic methods will also have a positive effect to increase the rate of breastfeeding.

Studies in the literature cover the evaluation of the effectiveness of beeswax or beeswax-containing mixtures on wound, burn and crack healing. Due to its natural composition with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiulcerative properties, beeswax is thought to be an effective and sufficient material in preventing and healing nipple cracks.

In this study, it is planned to include 90 lactating women (30 women in each group) to meet the parametric test assumptions in the experimental and control groups (beeswax-containing barrier, breast milk, and no treatment-control). Breastfeeding mothers to be included in the experimental and control groups will be randomized.

Inclusion criteria

• Being over 18 years old;
• Normal spontaneous delivery.
• Pregnancy weeks between 37-42.
• Single birth.
• Initiated breastfeeding.
• Having given birth to a healthy, full-term child.
• Newborn with no oral, palatal or maxillofacial abnormalities.
• Not taking any medication, considering that drug use may cause nipple problems.
• Being able to read and write.
• Volunteering to participate in the study.
• Not having contraindications for breastfeeding.

Exclusion criteria

• Not approving to participate in the research.
• Being a multipara.
• Not breastfeeding within the first 24 hours.
• Development of any breast problem: Mastitis, engorgement etc.
• Taking newborn into intensive care.
• Not sticking to the application.
• Using another nipple crack preventing method during application.
• Being allergic to beeswax.