ClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT07912216BEEWAX NIP RCTUpdated Nov 9, 2026

Effect of Beeswax-Based Nipple Protector and Breast Milk on Nipple Problems

An interventional study of Beeswax-based nipple shield and Breastmilk in Breastfeeding, Nipple Pain During Lactation and Cracked Nipple, sponsored by Marmara University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to female participants aged 18 Years to 45 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-11-09.

Sponsored by Marmara University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Prevention

Updated Nov 3, 2026Newly registeredGo to Updates ↓
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
90
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 45 Years
Sex
Female
01

Where this study stands

Counted across the records on this site · 2026-11-12

Among 274 studies in Breast Feeding with a site in Turkey — 68 open to participants now, 77 under way, none of them phase 3. Breast Feeding · Turkey.

Enrollment
94th of 252
90 · median 80
Started
2026
with 32 others
No phase
251 of 274
65 open now
Registered
255th of 274
by date

Among the 274 studies in Breast Feeding with a site in Turkey, this one is the 94th largest by enrollment of the 252 interventional ones, is one of 33 that started in 2026, is one of 251 with no phase, and was the 255th registered.

By phase

274 studies; the count open now beside each. This study's row is marked.

No phasethis study251 · 65 open
Observational22 · 3 open
Phase 41 · 0 open

By the year they started

First in 2011; this study’s year is marked. 33 started in 2026.

What they test

Size and results

Median enrollment 80 across the 252 interventional studies, 163 across the 22 observational. Of the 178 that completed or were terminated, 0 (0%) have results posted.

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Watch this landscapeDownload CSVWith an account: a weekly mail of what changed among 274 studies in Breast Feeding with a site in Turkey, or all of them as a file.
02

Study summary

Nipple pain, fissures, and other nipple-related problems are common during the early postpartum period and may negatively affect breastfeeding continuation. Although several approaches are used to prevent nipple trauma, evidence regarding the effectiveness of beeswax-based nipple protectors remains limited.

This prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted at a university hospital to evaluate the effectiveness of a beeswax-based nipple protector compared with breast milk application in preventing nipple problems among postpartum breastfeeding mothers. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group and followed for 20 days postpartum. Nipple condition, pain intensity, and breastfeeding self-efficacy were assessed at baseline and on postpartum days 10 and 20.

The study was designed to provide evidence on the potential effectiveness of beeswax-based nipple protectors in postpartum nipple care and breastfeeding support.

Read the detailed description

Nipple pain and trauma are important challenges during the establishment of breastfeeding, particularly in the early postpartum period. These problems may cause maternal discomfort, interfere with effective breastfeeding, and contribute to breastfeeding difficulties or premature discontinuation. Preventive nipple care is therefore an important component of postpartum nursing practice. Various approaches, including the application of expressed breast milk, lanolin-based products, and protective dressings, have been used to maintain nipple integrity and reduce discomfort. However, the comparative effectiveness of these approaches remains uncertain. Beeswax-based products have been proposed as potential alternatives because of their moisturizing and protective characteristics. Nevertheless, clinical evidence supporting the use of beeswax-based nipple protectors during breastfeeding is limited.

This study was designed as a prospective, two-arm, randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of a beeswax-based nipple protector compared with routine breast milk application during the early postpartum period.

Following enrollment and baseline assessment, eligible postpartum breastfeeding mothers were randomly allocated to one of two parallel groups. Mothers assigned to the intervention group used the beeswax-based nipple protector, whereas those in the control group followed the routine nipple care approach involving breast milk application. The interventions were implemented during the first 20 days postpartum.

The study incorporated repeated assessments to examine changes in nipple condition, pain intensity, and breastfeeding self-efficacy over time. Data were collected at baseline and on postpartum days 10 and 20 using standardized assessment instruments. This longitudinal assessment approach enabled the evaluation of changes within each group and comparisons between the intervention and control groups.

The statistical analysis plan included descriptive and comparative analyses, with longitudinal statistical methods planned to account for repeated measurements within participants.

The study was intended to contribute to the evidence base for preventive nipple care interventions and inform postpartum nursing practices aimed at maintaining nipple integrity, reducing breastfeeding-related discomfort, and supporting breastfeeding self-efficacy.

03

Conditions studied

  • Breastfeeding
  • Nipple Pain During Lactation
  • Cracked Nipple
  • Cracked Nipple During Lactation

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Keywords

  • Beeswax-based nipple shield
  • Nipple Crack
  • Beeswax
  • Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy
  • Breast Care
  • Lactation
  • Breastfeeding Support
04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 45 Years
Sexes eligible
Female
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Being between 18 and 45 years of age
  • Being included in the study within the first 24 hours after birth
  • Having given birth to a single live birth
  • Having a baby with a gestational age ≥37 weeks
  • Being directly breastfeeding the baby
  • Planning to breastfeed
  • No severe trauma to the nipple (initially only intact or mild erythema/tenderness is acceptable)
  • Being able to read and write in Turkish
  • Agreeing to participate in the research voluntarily. Providing written
  • Being available for follow-up via telephone or video call

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Allergy to bee products
  • Mastitis, breast abscess, Candida, or serious breast disease
  • History of breast surgery
  • Premature infant or infant in NICU
  • Neonatal anomalies that prevent suckling
  • Regular use of other topical breast products
  • Cessation of breastfeeding or feeding only with expressed milk/formula
  • Inability to complete follow-up visits
Terms in these criteria, in plain language(1)

Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.

Informed consent

Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.

You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.

05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
90 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Beeswax-based nipple shield arm

    Participants in experimental group will use beeswax-based nipple shields.

    Other: Beeswax-based nipple shield

  • Active comparator
    Breast Milk Arm

    Participants in control group group will use breast milk as a preventative measure against breast problems.

    Other: Breastmilk

Interventions

  • OtherBeeswax-based nipple shield

    The beeswax-based nipple protector to be used in this study (MEMELYN®, Türkiye) is a commercially available product manufactured from 100% natural beeswax. Each participant allocated to the intervention group will be provided with two sterile nipple protectors. Standardized verbal instructions, practical training, and written educational materials regarding the proper use of the product will be provided. Mothers will be instructed to wash their hands after each breastfeeding session, gently dry the nipple area, and apply the nipple protector so that it completely covers the nipple and areola. The nipple protector will be recommended for continuous use between breastfeeding sessions and may be removed only during breastfeeding and bathing. The product will be reusable and participants will be instructed to clean it with warm water after each use.

  • OtherBreastmilk

    Breastfeeding mothers in the control group were instructed to apply their own breast milk to their nipple areolas.Breastfeeding mothers in the control group will apply their own breast milk to their areolas. Breast assessments will be performed on days 10 and 20 using data collection tools.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Incidence of Nipple Problems

    The occurrence of nipple problems, including nipple pain, fissures, redness, and tenderness, was assessed using the Breast Assessment Form. The presence of nipple problems was evaluated in both intervention groups on postpartum days 10 and 20.

    Time frame: Postpartum Day 10, Postpartum Day 20

Secondary outcomes

  1. Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy

    Breastfeeding self-efficacy was assessed using the 14-item Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). Total scores range from 14 to 70, with higher scores indicating greater breastfeeding self-efficacy

    Time frame: Postpartum day 20

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Medipol Mega University Hospital
    Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Niazi A, Rahimi VB, Soheili-Far S, Askari N, Rahmanian-Devin P, Sanei-Far Z, Sahebkar A, Rakhshandeh H, Askari VR. A Systematic Review on Prevention and Treatment of Nipple Pain and Fissure: Are They Curable? J Pharmacopuncture. 2018 Sep;21(3):139-150. doi: 10.3831/KPI.2018.21.017. Epub 2018 Sep 30. PubMed 30283701 ↗
  • Nakamura M, Asaka Y, Ogawara T, Yorozu Y. Nipple Skin Trauma in Breastfeeding Women During Postpartum Week One. Breastfeed Med. 2018 Sep;13(7):479-484. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2017.0217. Epub 2018 Aug 3. PubMed 30074830 ↗
  • Serhatlioglu S, Gencturk N, Mutlu S. Determination of the effectiveness of beeswax in preventing nipple pain and cracks in primiparous breastfeeding mothers: A randomized controlled trial. Explore (NY). 2023 Nov-Dec;19(6):851-858. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.05.002. Epub 2023 May 13. PubMed 37236877 ↗
  • Modarresy SZ, Sattarpour R, Sadeghimoghadam P, Maleki FM, Belar S, Saniani AM, Hashemi BS, Noori M. Efficacy of a Topical Lanolin-Beeswax-Olive Oil Blend (RepoGen Cream) in Preventing Nipple Fissures in Breastfeeding Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Sep;24(9):e70409. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70409. PubMed 40874389 ↗
  • Fratini F, Cilia G, Turchi B, Felicioli A. Beeswax: A minireview of its antimicrobial activity and its application in medicine. Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2016 Sep;9(9):839-843. doi: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.07.003. Epub 2016 Jul 26. PubMed 27633295 ↗
  • Dennis CL, Jackson K, Watson J. Interventions for treating painful nipples among breastfeeding women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Dec 15;2014(12):CD007366. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007366.pub2. PubMed 25506813 ↗

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No — Individual participant data will not be shared publicly due to participant confidentiality and ethical considerations. Data collected during the study will be used in accordance with the approved research protocol and informed consent.

09

Timeline

2 registry updates since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reachedSimilar studies: half by the dot; the band is the middle halfHalf of similar studies reached it by the dot; the band is the middle half, from a quarter to three quarters

Ran from Jun 2026 to primary completion in Sep 2026, 3 months.

Of 502 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Breast Feeding, half reached primary completion within 12 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 6 and three quarters within 23. This study's 3 months is below that.

Counting every sponsor, half of 510 studies reached it within 12 months; a quarter within 6 and three quarters within 23.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Jun 23, 2026
First posted
Nov 3, 2026
StartActual
Jun 23, 2026
Primary completionActual
Sep 30, 2026
CompletionActual
Oct 30, 2026
Last update
Nov 9, 2026
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
Registered
First appeared on the registry. No changes since
Nov 3, 2026
Show all 2 updates
  1. Nov 9, 2026
    Minor edits only
    + 1 other change: description
  2. Nov 3, 2026
    First appeared on the registry

From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07912216
Lead sponsor
Marmara University
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Nov 3, 2026
Start date
Jun 23, 2026
Primary completion
Sep 30, 2026
Completion
Oct 30, 2026
Last update
Nov 9, 2026

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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This study is completed, as verified in Nov 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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