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Postpartum Nipple Symptoms: Risk Factors and Dermatologic Characterization.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Laageide, L; Radke, S; Santillan, D; Ten Eyck, P; Powers, J
Published in: Breastfeed Med
March 2021

Background: Nipple discomfort inhibits breastfeeding goals, particularly between 0 and 8 weeks postpartum (PP), and yet the specific dermatologic entities that contribute to nipple soreness have not been clearly delineated. Moreover, there remains a lack of evidence-based guidelines for nipple symptoms and skin diseases. Methods: A survey was distributed to 6-8-week PP women, 18-50 years of age, with an intent to exclusively or partially breastfeed ("at the breast" or "pump"). The study aimed to characterize nipple skin symptoms (pain and itching) and lesions (eczema, redness, cuts, or wounds) and any association between these nipple problems and past dermatologic history, breastfeeding outcomes, and the ability to meet her breastfeeding goals. Results: Findings paralleled Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics with a 25% decline in breastfeeding rates between birth, 86.3% (189), and 6-8 weeks PP, 64.5% (145). By 6-8 weeks PP, exclusive "formula" and "exclusive feeding at the breast" showed the largest increase (+16.4%) and decrease (-22.9%), respectively. Although no significant difference was found in comparison of nipple problems to feeding methods or skin history, women who reported pumping or PP redness/eczema had higher odds ratios of a change in feeding practice, history of eczema, and sensitive skin. Strong pumping intentions were also associated with the highest risk of unmet breastfeeding goals. Conclusion: Regardless of feeding method, product, or provider use, PP nipple problems predominantly arose between 1 and 3 weeks PP. Clinical Trial Registration number 201901737.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Breastfeed Med

DOI

EISSN

1556-8342

Publication Date

March 2021

Volume

16

Issue

3

Start / End Page

215 / 221

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Risk Factors
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pediatrics
  • Pain
  • Nipples
  • Humans
  • Female
  • Breast Feeding
  • 3213 Paediatrics
  • 3210 Nutrition and dietetics
 

Citation

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Laageide, L., Radke, S., Santillan, D., Ten Eyck, P., & Powers, J. (2021). Postpartum Nipple Symptoms: Risk Factors and Dermatologic Characterization. Breastfeed Med, 16(3), 215–221. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2020.0030
Laageide, Leah, Stephanie Radke, Donna Santillan, Patrick Ten Eyck, and Jennifer Powers. “Postpartum Nipple Symptoms: Risk Factors and Dermatologic Characterization.Breastfeed Med 16, no. 3 (March 2021): 215–21. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2020.0030.
Laageide L, Radke S, Santillan D, Ten Eyck P, Powers J. Postpartum Nipple Symptoms: Risk Factors and Dermatologic Characterization. Breastfeed Med. 2021 Mar;16(3):215–21.
Laageide, Leah, et al. “Postpartum Nipple Symptoms: Risk Factors and Dermatologic Characterization.Breastfeed Med, vol. 16, no. 3, Mar. 2021, pp. 215–21. Pubmed, doi:10.1089/bfm.2020.0030.
Laageide L, Radke S, Santillan D, Ten Eyck P, Powers J. Postpartum Nipple Symptoms: Risk Factors and Dermatologic Characterization. Breastfeed Med. 2021 Mar;16(3):215–221.
Journal cover image

Published In

Breastfeed Med

DOI

EISSN

1556-8342

Publication Date

March 2021

Volume

16

Issue

3

Start / End Page

215 / 221

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Risk Factors
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pediatrics
  • Pain
  • Nipples
  • Humans
  • Female
  • Breast Feeding
  • 3213 Paediatrics
  • 3210 Nutrition and dietetics