Coconut Oil Vs. Lanolin - Which is better?
Right after birth, learning how to breastfeed can be one wild ride!
Your baby is learning how to latch properly…
You’re learning how to position you both…
Until you find your groove, it’s not uncommon to experience sore nipples.
In fact, coming up with solutions for sore nipples is not anything new. Remedies for sore nipples have been seen in the medical literature since the 17th century!
Did you know wounds heal faster and are less painful when a moisture barrier is put over it? It’s shown to slow down the loss of internal moisture and prevent a scab from forming.
Both coconut oil and Lanolin can safely provide a natural moisture barrier for your nipples.
But which one is better? Coconut oil or lanolin?
Let’s break it down...
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Coconut Oil Vs. Lanolin
COCONUT OIL
Virgin Coconut Oil has been used for centuries as a natural treatment for wound healing in tropical climates.
PROs:
Naturally prevents infections. Coconut oil has a variety of biologically active ingredients that are antimicrobial and antifungal.
Has healing properties. It strengthens underlying tissue and removes dead skin cells.
Safe for baby. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats so you don’t have to wipe it off before breastfeeding. According to Dr. Thomas Hale, coconut oil is commonly used in NICUs to add fat into the diet of preemies.
Less of a worry for allergies. You don’t have to worry about you or your baby having a lanolin-sensitivity.
Great option for vegans. It’s not made from any animal bi-products.
CONs:
The effectiveness of coconut oil on sore nipples is not backed by any scientific proof. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not effective, it just means that more research needs to be done to demonstrate its performance. Both lactation consultants and women have reported coconut oil as having positive outcomes on sore nipples.
PRO-TIP:
To help retain its healing properties, go for unrefined, organic, raw coconut oil because it retains the most healing properties in that state. (try to avoid refined, purified, or liquid forms of coconut oil)
LANOLIN
Lanolin is a yellow fat naturally derived from sheep’s wool.
PROs:
Studies have found it to be effective in reducing nipple pain and healing nipple trauma.
You don’t have to wash it off. It’s natural and safe for baby to consume.
CONs:
Doesn’t have the same healing properties as coconut oil.
It’s sticky. It has a waxy texture. (unlike coconut oil)
Not vegan. Lanolin is an animal by-product where the oil is extracted from the sheared wool of lambs
Potential allergen. You or baby may be allergic to it since it’s made from wool.
PRO-TIP:
Opt for the highly purified version of lanolin (called Lansinoh) because it’s highly purified, has the pesticides removed, and reduces the allergy potential.
Winner of Coconut Oil vs. lanolin?
COCONUT OIL!
Because of its natural healing properties, non sticky texture, and healthy benefits to baby, we choose coconut oil as the winner!
OUR FAVORITE BRAND OF COCONUT OIL IS THIS ONE, BECAUSE IT’S UNREFINED, ORGANIC, and COLD-PRESSED.
(Although Lanolin is still a great choice for those who aren’t vegan and don’t have any allergies.)
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Related Articles:
When Does Latch-On Pain Go Away?
6 Home Remedies For Sore, Cracked Nipples