Raynaud’s and breastfeeding
Raynaud’s Phenomenon is a condition in which blood vessels, typically in the hands, feet, nose or nipples, constrict in response to cold or stress.
It is typically characterized by color changes in the affected area - usually seen as white, blue and red.
Common triggers for Raynaud’s include cold, stress and caffeine. Smoking is also known to worsen symptoms.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon can also affect the nipples - something most do not realize until they begin their breastfeeding journey.
Symptoms of Raynaud’s in the nipple include:
extreme nipple pain
color changes in the nipple, especially white, blue and red
throbbing or stabbing pain (this is typically how women who experience raynaud’s in the nipple describe the pain)
When treating pain due to Raynaud’s, consider:
ensuring correct latching technique (improper latching can result in nipple compression, therefore decreasing blood flow and causing pain)
preventing or decreasing cold exposure
keeping your house or environment warmer
using a warm compress on your nipple or breast immediately after baby unlatches (your nipple will be warm and wet when baby unlatches - if it is hit with cold air it can cause vasospasm, resulting in immediate pain) - you can try a breast specific hot pad
avoiding caffeine (known to cause vasoconstriction)
avoiding smoking (known to cause vasoconstriction)
you may also talk to your medical provider about medications that can improve raynaud’s symptoms
I myself have Raynaud’s and had no idea it could cause such intense nipple pain until I started breastfeeding. I personally found that using a warm compress after breastfeeding worked well to improve the pain quickly. I experienced this pain for a few months and then it went away on it’s own. I am not sure what I did differently but thankfully the intense pain after feeding eventually stopped. I did experience a lot of latching issues and nipple damage at the beginning of my breastfeeding journey and I do wonder if that exacerbated my pain.
Important note: Nipple pain caused by Raynaud’s is often misdiagnosed. If you know you have Raynaud’s, please share this with your medical provider or lactation consultant!
Sources:
Raynaud's phenomenon of the nipple: a treatable cause of painful breastfeeding
