Interventions for the Prevention and Management of Nipple Trauma in Breastfeeding Women: A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: Nipple trauma is one of the most common complications during breastfeeding and may lead to pain, discomfort, and the premature cessation of lactation. This systematic review aimed to synthesize and critically appraise recent evidence (2020-2026), reflecting current clinical practices and emerging interventions, for the prevention and management of nipple trauma in breastfeeding women. The primary emphasis was on pain reduction and healing with a secondary consideration of their impact on breastfeeding continuation and duration. Methods: The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and included a literature search in the PubMed and Scopus databases. Primary research studies published between 2020 and 2026 focusing on interventions in breastfeeding women experiencing nipple trauma or nipple pain were included. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: The interventions included the topical applications of natural products such as olive oil, expressed breast milk, coconut oil, beeswax-based products, and lanolin, nipple shields, and educational interventions focusing on correct breastfeeding techniques. The findings suggest that several of these interventions may reduce nipple pain and promote the healing of nipple trauma, while breastfeeding education and professional support appear to improve breastfeeding experience and continuation. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of the included studies highlights the need for further well-designed clinical research.