so all the IBCLCs here have been recommending coconut oil over lansinoh and other more complicated nipple ointments. apparently its equal or superior to lanolin for soothing, healing, antibacterial, anti-thrush, and food-grade safety. also, even high quality organic coconut oil is cheaper per oz and goes through a lot less processing (and chemicals) than lanolin.

a lot of moms already have coconut oil in their kitchen but for those who don't, i will sometimes melt either straight coconut oil or a blended nipple butter with coconut oil, callendula infused oil and just enough wax to make it semi-solid and pour it into lip-gloss sized containers.

also, its a great vegan alternative to animal based nipple care products.

thank you for the input.
i don't know about the nipple healing properties of coconut oil, but i'm always surprised when it is recommended as a good quality oil for food, as here it's considered the worst plant based oil! and i've certainly not seen it in use in central africa, i guess it's more widely used perhaps in south east asia or the carribean?
is there an ibclc article we can read up? i'm always interested in learning more, even when i disagree! OL: my personal recommendation is always mothers milk only, and good latch and positioning.

Love unrefined virgin coconut oil for nipples! Much better than lanolin IMO. If there is any concern of thrush than lanolin should NOT be used as it acts as an occlusive. Coconut oil has anti fungal properties. It can be ingested. It's economical. Has a million other uses and is easy to locate and purchase.

Look for research by Cathy Watson Genna. Her book on Selecting and using breastfeeding tools has some info also.

thank you, yvonne!! (missing the thanks button...)