Nipple vasospasm: How to manage and breastfeed

Some moms experience a painful sensation while breastfeeding known as nipple vasospasm. Learn about what causes nipple vasospasm, how to prevent and manage symptoms, and what you can do to reduce and prevent painful sensations while feeding and pumping.

Content

What’s nipple vasospasm during breastfeeding?

What causes nipple vasospasm?

What are the symptoms of nipple vasospasm?

What does nipple vasospasm look like?

How do I know if I have nipple vasospasm?

What’s Raynaud’s phenomenon?

Can I keep breastfeeding?

What are common triggers of nipple vasospasm?

What are some strategies for dealing with nipple vasospasm?

How is nipple vasospasm treated?

How can I prevent nipple vasospasm?

What is nipple vasospasm during breastfeeding?

Some moms experience nipple vasospasm while breastfeeding when the blood vessels in the nipple tighten or spasm, reducing blood flow. It can happen randomly and be caused by several different factors, including cold temperatures and stress. Gaining awareness of the common triggers can be immensely helpful if this happens to you. Fortunately, there are many ways of managing this condition, so that you can breastfeed without stress and without reducing your normal milk flow.

What causes nipple vasospasm?

Nipple vasospasm is caused by the tightening or spasming of blood vessels in the breast. It can affect one or both nipples. Anyone can experience this kind of circulatory issue in the body, however, this can be a very painful condition during breastfeeding or pumping.

This restricted blood flow can happen in several different situations, such as a nipple injury to the breast; for example, if your baby has not latched on well or you’re pumping with equipment that doesn’t fit correctly. It can also occur randomly or if your breasts get cold.

Moms with a health condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon (also known as Raynaud’s) may experience nipple vasospasm.

Some moms report emotional stress or lack of magnesium and vitamin b as other factors that can influence the spasms and intensity of pain.

What are the symptoms of nipple vasospasm?

The symptoms generally happen shortly after breastfeeding or in between feeds. It can last for a few seconds or longer. 

Moms with this condition often experience an unpleasant sensation in their nipple that feels like throbbing, stabbing, burning and intense pain. Some women experience this in one breast or both.

What does nipple vasospasm look like?

When the blood vessels tighten they restrict blood flow, so some moms with nipple vasospasm might see the tip of the nipple appear white or pale during a vasospasm.

After the spasm is over, the color of the nipple can also change from white to red, purple, blue or as the nipple returns to its normal color.

How do I know if I have nipple vasospasm?

When moms start breastfeeding and pumping, it’s not uncommon to feel nipple sensitivity as they adjust.

However, moms who experience nipple vasospasm describe intense pain over a brief period and some might see a change in the color of the nipple.

Talk to your doctor or lactation specialist to rule out other possible causes of pain like a nipple injury, a yeast infection known as thrush and a health condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon.

What’s Raynaud’s phenomenon?

Raynaud’s phenomenon, or ‘Raynaud’s’ is when vasospasm happens in the body (often due to stress or prolonged exposure to cold) and is unrelated to breastfeeding. Symptoms can occur in other parts of the body, like fingers and toes, lips, and ears when a temporary interruption to normal blood flow occurs. For moms experiencing Raynaud’s, wearing warm gloves and socks can help to prevent symptoms.

Can I keep breastfeeding with nipple vasospasm?

Yes, you can continue breastfeeding with nipple vasospasm. In general, breastfeeding and pumping should not be painful, so consult your doctor or lactation consultant to help understand your situation.

What are the common triggers of nipple vasospasm?

It can be uncomfortable to breastfeed while experiencing this condition, but fortunately there are things you can do to help ease your symptoms, so that the pain doesn’t worsen and you can keep producing milk. First, it’s helpful to be aware of some triggers:

• Ensure you don’t have nipple trauma or nipple thrush by making sure your baby is well attached while breastfeeding. If you are pumping, ensure your pump flange size fits properly.
• If you can, be mindful of your temperature. Cold weather or low temperatures in the room can prompt vasospasm.
• If you are a smoker, smoking can be a cause of vasospasm
• Experiencing intense emotional stress can be a factor
• Taking certain medicines (like decongestants) or medication can also be a risk factor

What are some strategies for dealing with nipple vasospasm?

Since nipple vasospasm can be uncomfortable while feeding and pumping, take extra care of your little one, yourself and your breasts. Consider these strategies to help you deal and reduce the pain:

• Soothe your breasts by putting a warm compress on your breasts after feeding
• Gently massage warm oil onto your nipples and areola. Be mindful of keeping them warm, especially coming out of the shower or being in air-conditioned rooms.
• Try to avoid cold air if you are air-drying your nipples and wear additional layers of clothing to keep your breasts warm.
• Consider taking supplements like vitamin B6, magnesium and calcium.
• Reduce caffeine intake and don´t smoke
• Talk to your pharmacist about other options.

How is nipple vasospasm treated? 

Once you are aware of the triggers of nipple vasospasm, speak to your doctor or lactation consultant if you’re unable to find relief.

Many moms seek care and treatment for this condition with different techniques, including:

• Pain relief with anti-inflammatory medicine that is safe to use while breastfeeding and pumping
• Gentle massages on the breast and nipple, using warm oil
• Supplements high in omega fatty acids, including primrose oil and fish oil, as well as calcium, magnesium and vitamin b6

How can I prevent nipple vasospasm?

Since some moms experience nipple vasospasm randomly, there are different ways to help prevent this from happening.

• Make sure to position your baby properly during breastfeeding as well as your breast pump so that you are not injuring your nipple.
• Keep your nipples warm while breastfeeding and afterwards.
• Try to remain relaxed as you go through this. Of course, it can be stressful, so be easy on yourself.

Talk to your circle of support if you also have a hard time avoiding triggers like smoking and caffeine.