Factors associated with nipple trauma in the maternity unit.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors associated with nipple trauma in women breastfeeding exclusively in a maternity unit.


METHODS
This was a case-control study that recruited 146 recently-delivered mothers in rooming-in wards: 73 cases, defined as women with nipple trauma, and 73 controls, defined as women free from this pathology. Women breastfeeding exclusively were tested daily for a diagnosis of nipple injury, identified using a magnifying glass. Sociodemographic, obstetric and neonatal variables were studied. A logistic regression model was used for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
Cases and controls proved to be comparable in terms of their sociodemographic variables, although the women with nipple trauma were more likely not to be living with a partner. The following variables were found to be factors associated with nipple trauma: primiparity (OR 3.16; 95%CI 1.19-8.42), not living with a partner (OR 3.25; 95%CI 1.18-8.93), turgid and/or engorged breasts (OR 12.31; 95%CI 4.48-33.78), semi-protruding and/or malformed nipples (OR 4.69; 95%CI 1.50-14.62), and depigmentation of nipples (OR 13.98; 95%CI 4.43-44.06).


CONCLUSIONS
Primiparity, not living with a partner, turgid and/or engorged breasts, semi-protruding and/or malformed nipples, and depigmentated nipples are associated with nipple trauma.
Coca
Kelly Pereira
KP
Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. kcocaepm@hotmail.com
Gamba
Mônica Antar
MA
Souza e Silva
Rebeca
R
Abrão
Ana Cristina F V
AC
D000328:Adult; D001940:Breast / Q000002:abnormalities; D001942:Breast Feeding; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D016015:Logistic Models; D009558:Nipples / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000293:injuries*; D010298:Parity; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors