These by-products have many names to hide their true source, such as Glycerin and Lanolin. Mineral oil is a by-product of the distillation of petroleum (what they make your gasoline from). It is often listed as petrolatum, paraffin wax, or mineral oil. All of the ingredients listed above can act as hormone disruptors.
If you have a sensitivity to wool, lanolin may not be the best option for your sore nipples. It can cause further pain and be quite unpleasant, often leaving a tingling or itchy feeling. In fact, many mothers who live in warmer climates might not be aware that they have a sensitivity.
Lanolin oil is actually poisonous when ingested and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and red skin. Lanolin has been found to contain traces of pesticides. It's commonly used as a treatment by breastfeeding mothers for sore nipples and these pesticides can be passed to the baby.
Summary of Use during Lactation
Lanolin is a yellow fat obtained from sheep's wool. It has traditionally been used topically to treat sore, cracked nipples during breastfeeding.
Lanolin may increase fungal infections.
Frequent use of lanolin on nipples may increase the risk of nipple infections, particularly fungal infections such as thrush.
Nipple cream made from ultra-pure lanolin – a natural product obtained from sheep's wool. This moisturises and supports healing. It's harmless for your baby, so there's no need to wash off lanolin before breastfeeding.
The reason is simple. While lanolin is commonly used for chapped skin and can therefore help chapped nipples, it does not have any healing properties like coconut oil does. Coconut oil is also antimicrobial and antifungal, which are benefits other nipple creams also lack.
Soften a pea-sized amount between fingers and apply to the entire nipple area after each feeding or as needed. Apply before showering to protect sensitive nipples.
In general, lanolin can be used daily and is found in many different skincare products and formulations. You will more than likely reap the most benefits by applying your chosen product and leaving it on overnight—or for an extended period—while lanolin penetrates the skin to aid in moisture retention.
Lanolin products should be avoided in people with a known allergy to wool. If you experience any increased skin irritation or pain, skin cracking, or bleeding after using lanolin cream, or your baby's mouth develops any sores or redness, you should discontinue using it.
Studies, however, have found increased allergic reactions to lanolin. According to the US National Library of Medicine, the most common side effects for lanolin use is allergic reaction or skin irritation. Women with wool and latex allergies are more prone to have an allergic reaction to lanolin, and should avoid it.
Lanolin is a natural moisturizing wax that's extracted from sheep's wool. It's used in a wide array of skincare products, from eye creams to baby oil and hemorrhoid ointment. It's often recommended for nipples that are sore from breastfeeding. Eating a lot of lanolin can cause lanolin poisoning.
Researchers report they have found traces of cancer-causing pesticides in lanolin, an ointment base derived from sheep wool and used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and body creams.
It is safe to use on a variety of surfaces including metal, plastics, fibreglass, rubber and neoprene seals. Widely used in maritime applications, Lanolin Lubricant can be used to lubricate and protect surfaces and equipment exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Lanolin can also cause allergic reactions and even poisoning if too much is ingested.
Because of its high fat content, lanolin is occlusive, meaning it prevents the evaporation of water from the skin (transepidermal water loss). This keeps skin moisturized and helps the skin heal.
100% SAFE FOR MOM AND BABY: Packed with natural ingredients, including lanolin, caprylic/capric triglycerides, and oat beta glucan, the Medela Lanolin Nipple Cream is safe for mom and baby alike.
This difference in the properties between the petroleum jelly and lanolin-based products, combined with the fact that lanolin has a high-fat content (skin loves fat) makes lanolin better for skincare. It keeps your skin plump, preventing evaporation especially in dry environments.
Once baby arrives, mom can use coconut oil while breastfeeding to soothe and help repair sore, cracked nipples. Simply apply a small amount of coconut oil directly to the nipple. Because coconut oil is all natural there is no need to wipe off before nursing baby since it is okay for baby to consume.
Lanolin, an organic ester derived from sheep fleece after shearing, creates an air-permeable tem- porary barrier and promotes moist wound healing when applied to injured skin. Lanolin is proven to have anti- inflammatory, antimicrobial, skin-protecting and barrier repair properties [14, 15] .
In tests comparing the dry lip treatment of lanolin vs. Vaseline. Lanolin is the top performer. Now, this is very exciting because Vaseline is generally considered by dermatologists, doctors and pharmacists as the go-to gold standard for dry skin and dry lip treatment.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all breastfeeding babies spend time skin-to-skin right after birth. Keeping your baby skin-to-skin in the first few weeks makes it easy to know when to feed your baby, especially if your baby is a little sleepy.