Breastfeeding without pain: Lanolin helps with sore nipples.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful, intimate moment – ​​but it can also be painful. In this article, I, as a pharmacist, explain how lanolin helps with sore nipples, how to use it correctly, and why Mukisoft nipple cream is a particularly safe choice.

• 1. Why does breastfeeding hurt? Understanding the causes
• 2. What is lanolin? Origin and production
• 3. Dermatological properties of lanolin
• 4. Use for sore nipples
• 5. Study situation and effectiveness
• 6. Is lanolin safe for mother and baby?
• 7. More than just breastfeeding support – further areas of application
• 8. Mukisoft Nipple Care – Tested Quality
• 9. Identifying quality characteristics
• 10. When you should seek medical advice
• 11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• 12. Conclusion: Gentle support during breastfeeding

1. Why does breastfeeding hurt? Understanding the causes

Especially in the first few days after giving birth, many mothers complain of sore or painful nipples. The reasons are varied:

• Hormonal changes: After childbirth, the skin is particularly sensitive.
• Mechanical stimuli: Incorrect positioning or frequent breastfeeding irritates the tissue.
• Dry skin: Micro-injuries occur due to the constant wetting and drying out.
• Infections: Open sores can be entry points for bacteria or fungi.

These pains often lead to a guarded or protective breastfeeding posture, which exacerbates the problem. Proper care can help early on.

2. What is lanolin? Origin and production

Lanolin – also known as wool wax – is a natural substance obtained from sheep's wool. It is extracted from the washing water using specialized processes, highly purified, and processed to medical grade. This makes it free of fragrances, pesticides, and preservatives.

The composition of waxes, fatty acids and sterols is very similar to human skin – this is what makes lanolin so well tolerated, even by sensitive baby skin.

You can find more information about lanolin and safety in the article: Is wool wax dangerous? Here's what you should know .

3. Dermatological properties of lanolin

• Moisture retention: Lanolin stores water and gradually releases it to the skin – ideal for dryness and cracks.
• Occlusive effect: It forms a protective layer on the skin that supports wound healing.
• Barrier strengthening: Lanolin stabilizes the skin barrier and protects against irritants.
• Soothing: It calms immediately after application – a beneficial effect for sore nipples.

These qualities make it the gold standard in breastfeeding care.

4. Use for sore nipples

1. After each breastfeeding session, gently clean the nipple with lukewarm water (without soap).
2. Warm a small amount of lanolin between your fingers.
3. Apply gently to the nipple and areola.
4. Apply to the nursing pad if needed.

Good to know: Highly purified lanolin – like that used in Mukisoft skincare – does not need to be washed off before breastfeeding. It is completely safe for your baby.

5. Study situation and effectiveness

Numerous studies confirm the effectiveness of lanolin:

• Pain relief: Many mothers report significant improvement after just a few applications.
• Extended breastfeeding time: A 2020 study showed that lanolin users breastfed for an average of 25% longer.
• Recommended by midwives: 99% recommend lanolin ointments during breastfeeding.

Compared to purely plant-based oils or petroleum jelly, lanolin offers a decisive advantage: it not only nourishes, but also actively supports the natural regeneration of the skin.

6. Is lanolin safe for mother and baby?

Yes – provided it is highly purified, medical-grade lanolin . This meets the standards of the European Pharmacopoeia and the United States Pharmacopeia.

The most important advantages:

• Hypoallergenic – also suitable for sensitive skin
• 100% natural – without fragrances, preservatives or colorants.
• No obligation to wash dishes before breastfeeding
• Very good skin compatibility for both baby and mother

Note: If you have a known lanolin allergy, you should perform a patch test before use – e.g. in the crook of your arm.

7. More than just breastfeeding support – further areas of application

Lanolin can do more than just care for nipples. It's a versatile all-rounder for the whole family:

• Lip care: For dry, chapped lips
• Baby's bottom: For sore or reddened areas
• Dry areas: elbows, heels, hands
• Scar and wound care: Supports skin regeneration

Many breastfeeding mothers continue to use lanolin long after the breastfeeding period – simply because it works.

8. Mukisoft Nipple Care – Tested Quality

As a pharmacist, I have seen many products – and that is precisely why I developed a particularly gentle, highly purified lanolin skincare product together with Mukisoft:

Find Mukisoft nipple care products in the shop →

Our advantages at a glance:

• Pesticide-free, highly purified wool wax (lanolin)
• No fragrances, no preservatives
• 100% natural
  
• Airless dispenser – hygienic and easy to dose

This skincare product was specially developed for the needs of breastfeeding mothers – with pharmaceutical care and genuine conviction.

9. Identifying quality characteristics

criterion	Meaning	Recommendation
Highly purified	Free from residues, pesticides, and fragrances	Mukisoft nipple care
Purely natural	100% lanolin, without additives	Maximum compatibility
Certified quality	According to pharmacopoeia standards	Pharmacy product

10. When you should seek medical advice

Even though lanolin offers excellent care, there are situations in which you need medical or midwife-led assistance:

• Severe pain or open, bleeding sores
• Fever , swelling, or purulent discharge – signs of infection
• White-discolored nipples with sharp pain from cold – a possible sign of vasospasm
• No improvement despite correct application of care and breastfeeding techniques.

In such cases, please do not hesitate to seek support from your midwife or gynecologist.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to wash off the lanolin before breastfeeding?

No – if it's highly purified medical-grade lanolin, washing it off isn't necessary. It's completely safe for the baby. If using it in a cream, please remove any excess from the nipples beforehand.

Can I use lanolin during pregnancy?

Yes, many women begin regular skincare routines from the 36th week of pregnancy to prepare their skin for breastfeeding.

How often should I apply lanolin?

Ideally, it should be used after each breastfeeding session. It can also be used in between – depending on your needs and skin condition.

What to do in case of an allergic reaction.

Although pharmaceutical-grade lanolin is very well tolerated, irritation can occur in rare cases. Test it on the inside of your elbow beforehand. If redness or itching occurs, please use an alternative.

Is there a product recommendation?

Yes – Mukisoft nipple care was specially developed for sensitive nipples and contains 100% pesticide-free wool wax (lanolin) – no additives, no fragrance, no need to wash it off.

12. Conclusion: Gentle support during breastfeeding

Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt – and thanks to modern care products like highly purified lanolin , it doesn't have to anymore . As a pharmacist, I've been recommending medical-grade lanolin for many years – out of conviction and experience.

• Nourishes and protects – without irritating the skin
• Reduces pain and promotes healing
• Suitable for mother and baby – no washing required.
• Recommended by midwives and doctors

My tip: Have a suitable product ready before the birth – such as Mukisoft nipple cream . This way you can start well-prepared for a relaxed breastfeeding period.