The Effect of Nursing Pillow Use on Nipple Pain and Comfort

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Status: Begins enrollment this month

Conditions: Nipple Pain During Lactation; Comfort

Treatments: Behavioral: Nursing Pillow

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07082959

IUC-SBF-TT-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

Many factors influence breastfeeding. Nipple pain and comfort are among these factors and can negatively impact the breastfeeding process. A nursing pillow can relieve nipple pain and increase comfort. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of breastfeeding pillow use on nipple pain and comfort.

Full description

This study was planned to determine the effect of using a breastfeeding pillow in the postpartum period on nipple pain and maternal comfort. The breastfeeding process is a crucial period not only for ensuring the newborn's adequate nutrition but also for strengthening the bond between mother and baby. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months, and continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age. However, the sustainability of this process is directly related to the mother's physical comfort and the challenges she encounters.

Nipple pain is one of the most common problems during the breastfeeding period. It is often caused by improper latching of the baby and is one of the leading reasons for early cessation of breastfeeding. Additionally, the mother's inability to maintain a proper body position while breastfeeding may lead to physical discomforts such as back and waist pain, negatively affecting her level of comfort.

In this context, breastfeeding pillows are assistive tools designed to help mothers maintain an appropriate position during breastfeeding, aiming to reduce nipple pain and increase comfort. Although there are studies on the positive effects of breastfeeding pillows on breastfeeding success, comfort, and maternal-infant outcomes, no study has been found that specifically investigates the effect of using a breastfeeding pillow in the postpartum period on nipple pain and maternal comfort in women who had a vaginal delivery.

Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding pillow use during the postpartum period on nipple pain and maternal comfort.

Enrollment: 112 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Women who gave birth at 37 weeks of gestation or later
• Women who had a vaginal delivery
• Primiparous women
• Women whose babies weigh 2500 grams or more
• Women who are willing to breastfeed their babies
• Women who can speak and understand Turkish

Exclusion criteria

• Women who gave birth to twins or more
• Women with previous breastfeeding experience
• Women who experienced postpartum complications
• Women with conditions that may prevent breastfeeding

Trial design

Primary purpose: Health Services Research

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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112 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention Group

Experimental group

Description:

Use of a breastfeeding pillow during the postpartum period to evaluate nipple pain and comfort.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Nursing Pillow

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive routine postpartum care without a breastfeeding pillow.