You Do Have Nipple Vasospasm: Symptoms & Treatment
What is nipple vasospasm? Nipple vasospasm is when the blood vessels in the nipples tighten and constrict and don’t let enough blood through, causing pain, burning or numbness. They can also turn white or blue and return to pink when the blood flow returns to normal. Women with Raynaud’s disease — a rare disorder that causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow when you’re cold or stressed — are often more susceptible.
How do I know if I have vasospasm? Breastfeeding should not be painful or uncomfortable. However, mothers commonly experience some nipple sensitivity as their body adjusts to feeding in the early days of breastfeeding. Women with nipple vasospasm symptoms may continue to experience pain when breastfeeding, even when their baby is attached properly and sucking well.
How to treat nipple vasospasm: Nipple vasospasm treatment advice is straightforward: Try to keep your whole body warm and dress warmly. Cover your nipple immediately after feeding, and use warm heat if you feel symptoms starting. You can also massage your areola with olive oil and stretch the muscles around your breasts several times a day to help blood flow to your nipple area. You can try an OTC pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, both of which are safe to use during breastfeeding. Check with your doctor and ensure you are not taking any medications that can cause this phenomenon.
