Sore, sore nipples * * « Back to Group Discussions

[SlimP]

Now the weather is turning noticeably chillier, my nipples have become terribly sensitive. Getting out of the shower, walking in a cool breeze or shopping in the refrigerated section of the supermarket have all become hazards where I have to clutch my boobs to keep them warm . If my nipples get cold, they feel like they are clamped shut, they turn pale and the pain can be excruciating. I have to bathe them in warm water or clutch a hot water bottle until the sensation eases, which can take over an hour if I'm caught bad!

I had this same sensitivity in my last pregnancy, just the first trimester, but then Spring raised temperatures, and luckily, it didn't return while breastfeeding over the Winter. Having finally gotten around to researching this, it appears I may be suffering from a form of Reynauds Disease, which is more common in hands and feet, and where tiny blood vessels constrict due to the cold.

I've read some recommendations for woollen breast pads to help keep nipples warm and these are supposed to be very good natural pads while bf'ing too, so I'm happy to invest in a couple of pairs.

But, does anyone here have other experience or advice for me? Buko, is a big woolly padded bra best option?

Thanks in advance ladies 

[Melany]

Mine are ITCHY! It's driving me crazy. I've tried bio-oil, regular lotion, everything, they just itch.

But, the big wooly bra comment has me giggling.

[scruffy too]

Mine are really sore, but more so at night.  Especially when I roll over and they seem to "scrape" the bed - almost feels like they're being folded.  Really uncomfortable.

[cocoanib]

My breasts and nips have been super sore for the past couple of months. DD still nurses, so that adds to the pain.

I discovered after having DD that I had Raynaud's. I would go outside to walk the dogs and come running back in in so much pain. This is in Cali during March, so it was chilly, but not that cold. After DD would unlatch from nursing they would hurt so bad. The only thing that helped me was warm compresses and nipple pads. I found that going from warm to hot was expecially difficult, so I was careful when I did.

[scruffy too]

Last night was HORRIBLE!  My poor nipples.  I couldn't remember if anyone had suggested anything, so I just held them (which didn't help).  I'm going to try some heat if this happens again.

[SlimP]

Mmm, warm compresses sound lovely and soothing cocoanib, thanks for that! I heard that microwaved dry rice in a sock helps dilate the constricted blood vessels to restore circulation......either would work with blocked ducts too. I'm lucky I didn't suffer during breastfeeding my first child, even through 3 winters and I'm hoping all that time nursing didn't make me more susceptible now. DS only weaned himself a couple of months ago.

And nope, clutching your boobs doesn't help Scruffytoo, but it's instinctual to try and rub that pain away........awkward when in public

Melany, I'm glad you got a giggle at my woolly bra, but the reality is not even as glamourous. I have made 2 little twirly nests, or woolly hats really, out of untreated wool, to pop over my poor nipples
I was hoping to felt my own pads but they'd probably be bulkier and lumpy-looking. The top hats are working out well so far, are soft, smooth and warm, but one will inevitably peep out my top at some inopportune moment, right?!

[scruffy too]

SlimP - so like a pinch of roving wool, flattened into your bra?

I went outside today (so far the cold hasn't effected my nips) but today that changed.  I was only out long enough to feed the chickens and grab some firewood (5 mins max).  I used my heat bag (rice) and that seemed to help a lot.  Thanks for the suggestion.

I was telling a friend about my on-going boob issues and she was like, "So last month you were icing them, and now you`re heating them?!?"  Yes, and buying *another* new bra soon...

[GranolaMama09]

Oh goodness yes!  They've been hurting since the beginning and it's only been getting worse.  Most days it hurts to even have my shirt on let alone a bra or rub against the bed or something.  OW!

[SlimP]

Yes, Scruffy, roving wool is a new term to me but sounds about right. I gathered and washed wool in Spring, had it lying around and thought why not try it. I'm happier its not combed and coloured yarn and relieved its not smelly or itchy:) I make a small nipple-sized pad which my bra holds in place. Comfortable, alterable, cheap and effective at least until the weather gets real cold!! Then I might need those warm rice bags too.

GranolaMama, weirdly, my breasts and nipples have not been v sensitive at all this pregnancy, just a little more so than usual on occasion. However, a big drop in temperature the last few weeks has caused sudden constrictions, or vasospasms, in my small blood capillaries,causing stabbing pains and leaving my nipples pale and tweaking for ages after. It occurs on both sides simultaneously, with no poking or prodding or touches at all, just fluctuating temperatures.
I guess I'm lucky I know what causes it but it's a long way to Spring. Somedays these pregnancy 'symptoms' get on top of me and I wish I could hibernate until the end of this pregnancy!

[GranolaMama09]

Lol, SlimP!  Honestly, a large part of it is that I don't think my nipples have 'gone soft' since the beginning of the pregnancy.  At this point it may just be that!