Breast milk is recognised to be the optimum source of nutrition for infants, while also having wide health benefits for mums. But nursing comes with many challenges which impact on if and how long a mum will manage to continue nursing. In the UK as high as 90% of women intend to breastfeed in some form, and close to 70% of women intending to exclusively breastfeed. The breastfeeding rate drops to 49% at 6 to 8 weeks after birth and to 25% at 6 months.
One of the biggest barriers to successful breastfeeding is the problem of painful and chapped nipples. That's why we've tracked down the best nipple creams, balms and salves with lanolin which can help make breastfeeding more comfortable.
Lanolin, also known as wool wax or wool grease, is a waxy substance that sheep naturally produce to protect their wool. It has been used for hundreds of years to protect skin by locking in moisture and preventing water loss. Nowadays it’s a popular ingredient in body lotions, creams, hair care products and soaps. Lanolin is highly regarded as a natural remedy for sore nipples as it forms a protective layer over the skin and prevents irritation. During breastfeeding, nipples often become sore, dry and cracked. Lanolin creams are widely recommended to ease nipple pain from breastfeeding and help with the healing. It is generally considered safe for baby to ingest in small amounts, but it's recommended to use at least ten minutes before you start breastfeeding. And unlike other nipple products, you don't need to wipe it off.
There are so many nipple care creams on the market now and the number is constantly growing. Here we have listed the most favoured ones, those using solely lanolin and those mixed with other ingredients.
Most popular, lanolin only, nipple creams
- Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream £10 for 40ml
- Medela Purelan Lanolin Nipple Cream £10.49 for 37g
- LIPP, Original Nipple Balm £12 for 15ml
Most popular creams with lanolin as one of the ingredients
- Weleda Nipple Balm, £5.45 for 25g
Ingredients:
Lanolin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Lanolin Alcohol, Tocopherol
- My Expert Midwife No Harm Nipple Balm, £16.50 for 30ml
Ingredients:
Lanolin, Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil.
It’s worth noting that lanolin can irritate sensitive skin and allergic reactions are on the rise. There are numerous lanolin free alternative nipple creams, check our blog ‘Breastfeeding herbal nipple creams’ for the most regarded ones. Also provide well deserved TLC to the whole breast with Calming Cabbage Breast Gel.
*Prices and statistics correct at May 2023.