Effect of Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Oil on Nipple Crack Formation in the Early Postpartum Period.

2023-02-10
Breastfeeding medicine : the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine 18(3)
- Ebru Şahin
- Fatma Yildirim
- Nuriye Büyükkayaci Duman

PubMed: 36763614
DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2022.0260

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 90
Population: 90 women in the early postpartum period
Methods: randomized controlled experimental research, women in intervention groups applied coconut oil or tea tree oil to the nipples on the 3rd, 7th, and 10th days postpartum, control group had no intervention
Funding: Unclear

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of tea tree oil and coconut oil applied to the nipples during the early postpartum period on nipple crack formation. Methods: This randomized controlled experimental research included a total of 90 women in the research sample abiding by the research criteria, with 30 each in the intervention groups (coconut oil or tea tree oil application) and 30 in the control group. Women in the intervention groups applied coconut oil or tea tree oil to the nipples on the 3rd, 7th, and 10th days postpartum, whereas the control group did not have any intervention. Data in the research were collected with the Descriptive Information Form for Mothers, Early Postpartum Period Breast Problem Assessment Form, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Analysis of data used the chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Friedman's test. Results: Mean age of women participating in the research was 28.23 ± 5.21 years. The differences between the groups applying coconut oil and tea tree oil on the 3rd, 7th, and 10th days postpartum and the control group were significant in terms of incidence of nipple cracks. In addition, the difference in mean VAS points for nipple pain in the groups using coconut oil and tea tree oil and the control group was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: According to the research findings, coconut oil and tea tree oil were determined to reduce nipple crack formation and nipple pain. It is recommended to increase the use of coconut oil and tea tree oil related to breast problems in nursing care during the postpartum period. Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT05456438.

Research Insights

Coconut→Reduced Nipple Crack Formation
The differences between the groups applying coconut oil and tea tree oil on the 3rd, 7th, and 10th days postpartum and the control group were significant in terms of incidence of nipple cracks.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Coconut→Reduced Nipple Pain
In addition, the difference in mean VAS points for nipple pain in the groups using coconut oil and tea tree oil and the control group was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Tea Tree→Reduced Nipple Crack Formation
The differences between the groups applying coconut oil and tea tree oil on the 3rd, 7th, and 10th days postpartum and the control group were significant in terms of incidence of nipple cracks.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Tea Tree→Reduced Nipple Pain
In addition, the difference in mean VAS points for nipple pain in the groups using coconut oil and tea tree oil and the control group was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate