Nipple Laser Treatment

Light therapy (which is known by the scientific term ‘photobiomodulation’) uses low level laser light to treat acute pain, and has been used for various conditions since the 1960s.

We don’t know exactly how light therapy works, but light therapy has been shown in many studies (which aren’t of the nipple in breastfeeding women) to

• Reduce pain and swelling of inflammation
• Stimulate cell growth and skin healing.

Light therapy has recently been investigated in a small number of studies as a treatment for nipple pain in breastfeeding women. Although some studies show benefit, further research is required to determine whether it is truly effective, as well as what the optimal treatment settings are.

Light therapy is a combination of red and near-infrared light. We will apply it using a Handy Pulse device. Here is a picture of the device that is used in your treatment:

We don’t expect light therapy to heal up painful or damaged nipples on its own. We hope it might help tip the balance towards healing your nipple’s inflammation and pain though, alongside the other treatments that your NDC Accredited Practitioner is offering you.

In particular, fit and hold problems are the main cause of ongoing nipple pain and inflammation. These challenges with fit and hold can be quite subtle, and take time and practice to deal with.

The NDC or Possums guidelines for using light therapy in breastfeeding mothers with persisting nipple pain and damage includes having your NDC Accredited Practitioner continue to assess and help you with fit and hold (also known as latch and positioning) using the gestalt method, even while you’re receiving light therapy.

1. You will be required to have an initial consultation with a doctor or lactation consultant at Adelaide Mums & Babies Clinic for an assessment and a treatment plan to be created.
2. At each appointment, we will ask you to rate your nipple pain on a scale of 0-10 whilst breastfeeding at home, after your baby has come on to the breast and also while we are helping you with fit and hold. 0 is “no pain” and 10 is “the worst pain you could imagine.”
3. A Light therapy treatment plan is created during your initial consultation with the doctor. If successful, or your nipple pain has resolved, treatment will stop before the treatment plan is finished.
4. Prior to each treatment, the nurse will ask you to complete a questionnaire that will ask simple questions about you, your baby, the nipple pain, and feeding of your baby. Your doctor, lactation consultant or nurse will also record notes about how the treatment is progressing.
5. You will be positioned comfortably for the treatment, either seated or lying down.
6. An eye mask will be placed over your eyes, to block out any light.
7. The light therapy device will have an anti-bacterial dressing placed over it before every treatment.
8. The light therapy device will be positioned gently to rest on your the nipple.
9. You will receive active light therapy for five minutes on the painful nipple. If both nipples are painful, you will receive five minute treatment on each.
10. The treatment might take up to 30 minutes in total, which includes set up and pack up time.
11. If you feel any discomfort during treatment, you should inform the doctor or lactation consultant immediately. A majority of patients don’t feel anything.
12. Before and after each treatment, the light therapy device will be wiped with an alcohol wipe.
13. You may require a follow up appointment with the doctor to review your progress and/or treatment plan.