Research

Effect of peppermint water on prevention of nipple cracks in lactating primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial

Manizheh Sayyah Melli¹ , Mohammad Reza Rashidi² , Abbas Delazar³ , Elaheh Madarek¹ , Mohammad Hassan Kargar Maher ⁴ , Alieh Ghasemzadeh¹ , Kamran Sadaghat⁵ and Zohreh Tahmasebi⁶

¹Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Alzahra Teaching Hospital, South Artesh Avenue, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

²Drug Applied Research Center, University Street, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

³Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Street, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

⁴Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gholgasht Street, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

⁵Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Azarbayegan University, Tabriz, Iran

⁶Taleghani Teaching Hospital, Rahahan Street, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

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International Breastfeeding Journal 2007, 2:7doi:10.1186/1746-4358-2-7

Published:	19 April 2007

Abstract

Background

Nipple pain and damage in breastfeeding mothers are common causes of premature breastfeeding cessation. Peppermint water is popularly used for the prevention of nipple cracks in the North West of Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of peppermint water in the prevention of nipple cracks during breastfeeding in comparison with the application of expressed breast milk (EBM).

Methods

One hundred and ninety-six primiparous breastfeeding women who gave birth between February and May 2005 in a teaching hospital in Tabriz, Iran, were randomized to receive either peppermint water or EBM. Each woman was followed for up to three visits or telephone calls within 14 days and then by telephone call at week six postpartum.

Results

Women who were randomized to receive peppermint water were less likely to experience nipple and areola cracks (9%) compared to women using EBM (27%; p < 0.01). Women who used the peppermint water on a daily basis were less likely to have a cracked nipple than women who did not use peppermint water (relative risk 3.6, 95%CI: 2.9, 4.3). Nipple pain in the peppermint water group was lower than the expressed breast milk group (OR 5.6, 95% CI: 2.2, 14.6; p < 0.005).

Conclusion

This study suggests that peppermint water is effective in the prevention of nipple pain and damage. Further studies are needed to assess the usefulness of peppermint water in conjunction with correct breastfeeding techniques.

Trial registration number: NCT00456404