Lanolin Ointment while Breastfeeding

What is Lanolin Ointment used for?

Is Lanolin Ointment usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Lanolin while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 8006-54-0

Avoid applying it on nipples; all lanolin is not the same: - Standard Lanolin: 12 -15% alcohol and 40 PPM pesticide residues. - Modified Lanolin: 6% alcohol and 3 PPM pesticide residues. Use for the nipples Ultrapure Medical Grade USP Modified Lanolin, alcohol and pesticides free, safe for use on even the most sensitive skin or where infant ingestion may occur.

Lanolin while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 8006-54-0

Lanolin is a yellow fat obtained from sheep's wool. It has traditionally been used topically to treat sore, cracked nipples during breastfeeding. Highly purified modified lanolin (Lansinoh) has the pesticide and detergent residues removed and the natural free alcohols reduced to below 1.5% to improve safety and reduce the allergic potential.[1] However, it should be avoided in patients with a known allergy to wool. Although lanolin appears to be effective for the prevention and treatment of nipple pain from breastfeeding,[2] studies, most of which used Lansinoh, have not found lanolin to be consistently different in efficacy from application of breastmilk, hydrogel dressings, peppermint gel, aloe vera or warm compresses.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9] A metaanalysis concluded that application of nothing or breastmilk may be superior to lanolin, but good studies are lacking.[10] One small nonblinded study found olive oil to be superior to lanolin for prevention of sore nipples,[11] and another small, single-blinded study found that lanolin application to painful nipples did not decrease nipple pain compared to usual care.[12] A study in women with nipple trauma and pain comparing application of lanolin after each feeding to application of breastmilk plus a nipple shell found that the breastmilk and shell were more effective than lanolin.[13] A randomized study comparing highly purified lanolin (Lansinoh) to expressed breastmilk in 180 mothers, found lanolin to be superior to breastmilk over a 7-day period in reducing pain and the nipple trauma score.[14]

What should I do if I am breastfeeding mother and I am already exposed to Lanolin Ointment?

I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Lanolin Ointment, is it safe?

If I am using Lanolin Ointment, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Lanolin Ointment in breastfeeding?