breast milk

Breast milk is a natural biological fluid produced by the mammary glands of lactating humans. In the context of the Karabuk University clinical trial (NCT04259320), it was evaluated as a topical intervention for the prevention of nipple cracks and pain in primiparous breastfeeding mothers. The intervention involves applying a few drops of the mother's own expressed milk to the nipple and areola after breastfeeding. Breast milk contains various bioactive components, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and immunological factors, which are thought to promote wound healing and provide antimicrobial protection. While traditionally recommended by the World Health Organization for nipple care, the Karabuk University study found it to be less effective than a beeswax-containing barrier.

Other names

human milkexpressed breast milk