If you’ve breastfed a baby, you already know the tender truth: those first few weeks can be wonderful and genuinely uncomfortable. Sore, cracked nipples are one of the most common reasons new parents cut breastfeeding short—not because they’ve run out of love or determination, but because the pain becomes hard to push through. A new study is adding to the conversation about what might help, and we wanted to share it with you in plain language.
What the study looked at
For decades, the go-to remedy for sore nipples in most U.S. hospitals has been highly purified lanolin, a refined fat derived from sheep’s wool. It works as a protective barrier that keeps the skin from drying out. But it isn’t perfect—it comes from an animal source, some people with a wool allergy react to it, and the evidence that it actually heals skin (rather than just coating it) has always been thin.
Researchers publishing in the Journal of Human Lactation decided to test a natural alternative: extra-virgin coconut oil (EVCO). In a randomized controlled trial at a large urban hospital, new mothers were assigned to use either standard lanolin or coconut oil on their nipples before and after each feeding during the first six weeks postpartum. The idea was that coconut oil—rich in lauric acid and medium-chain fats—might not only soothe the skin but also help prevent the nipple cracks that can open the door to mastitis, a painful breast inflammation and infection.
What they found
The results were encouraging for coconut oil. Mothers in the coconut oil group reported less nipple pain and less nipple trauma than those using lanolin, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. No mothers in the study reported harmful reactions to the coconut oil, and several who had been assigned lanolin actually asked to switch—some disliked its smell or the sense that it felt “like medicine” rather than something natural.
The authors concluded that coconut oil deserves consideration as a first-line option for keeping nipples comfortable and intact in those early weeks.
An honest word about what this does—and doesn’t—mean
We think it’s important to be straight with you: this was a small, early study. Only 27 mothers completed the full six weeks, many participants dropped out along the way, and everyone was followed at a single hospital using their own self-reported pain scores. That’s exactly the kind of promising-but-preliminary research that points to where more study is needed—not the kind that should overturn medical practice overnight. The researchers themselves describe it as “early work.”
So coconut oil isn’t a proven cure, and lanolin isn’t the villain here. If lanolin has been working well for you, there’s no reason to abandon it. What this study does offer is reassurance that a widely available, food-grade, plant-based option appears safe and may be genuinely helpful—which is welcome news if you’d prefer a natural product or you’ve had trouble tolerating lanolin.
The thing that matters most (and it isn’t the cream)
Here’s what we want you to hear above all else: most nipple pain is a signal, not a product problem. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt beyond mild, brief tenderness in the first days. When nipples become red, raw, blistered, or cracked, the usual cause is a shallow latch or a positioning issue—something that can very often be corrected with hands-on help. No oil, coconut or otherwise, will fix a latch that needs adjusting.
That’s why the single most effective thing you can do for sore nipples is to have your latch evaluated early. A few small tweaks in how your baby takes the breast frequently resolve pain that no cream could touch.
If you’d like to try coconut oil
If you want to give it a try, a few sensible tips: use plain, food-grade extra-virgin coconut oil (nothing scented or additive-laden), apply a small amount after feedings, and—because it will end up in your baby’s mouth—that’s perfectly fine, as it’s a food. If you have any history of skin sensitivity, dab a little on your forearm first to be sure it agrees with you. And if pain persists, worsens, or you notice a fever, a hard red area, or flu-like symptoms, don’t wait it out—those can be signs of mastitis that need prompt attention.
We’re here to help
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for you and your baby, and struggling with it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Our physicians can evaluate persistent nipple pain, help you sort out whether an infection is brewing, and connect you with lactation support so you get real, hands-on guidance. Whether your plan is coconut oil, lanolin, or simply getting the latch right, our goal is the same as yours: to help you breastfeed comfortably for as long as you choose to.
If sore nipples or breastfeeding questions are on your mind, reach out to schedule a visit. You don’t have to tough it out alone.
This article is for general educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please talk with your OB-GYN or a lactation consultant about your specific situation.
El Camino Women’s Medical Group offers the latest Minimally Invasive Solutions for gynecologic problems. Drs. Amy Teng, Erika Balassiano, Pooja Gupta, and Vivian Wan, all members of AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy), are highly trained and experienced in the field of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. Dr. Erika Balassiano has also completed a Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship under the supervision of world-renowned Dr. Camran Nezhat. Angel Wong, PA-C, is a physician assistant who sees patients for routine and lower-acuity care.
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