[batsoup]

i'll be going along minding my own business when my nipple will start to ache - when i look down, my nipple is clenched so tightly it's white from lack of blood!

anyone know what/why this is?

 

[flminivanmama]

it sounds like raynaud's syndrome

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/...blanching.html

 

[batsoup]

Wow, thanks! at least I know I'm not crazy!

 

[MCPM]

I get that, but mysteriously -- and luckily -- without any pain. But it is weird.

 

[Megs_BK]

I've been getting this, too. I've always had issues with, shall we say, chronically "turned on headlights," so I guess it doesn't surprise me. I just want to get it figured out whether it's due to thrush right now or just straight-up Raynaud's Syndrome. I hope the latter! i got some B-6 vitamins, so we'll see if that helps. I don't think it's bad enough (yet) for me to give up coffee, though... that would be a sad day, indeed. For everyone around me ;-)

 

[Tellera]

hey there... I posted similar:

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=496572

 

[Megs_BK]

Thanks, Tellera! Sounds like I'm going through what you did. That thread was helpful. Well, some B-6 can't hurt. Dressing extra warm is a bit nasty where I live, but I'll see what I can deal with.

 

[captain optimism]

I had that when i was a new mom. It went away, you will be so happy to know! I am still nursing and I don't think I had the white nips past the first six to eight weeks. Since my son was born in February i wore a vest to keep my breasts warm.

 

[bugnbean]

I suffered through 6 weeks of absolute BF agony with my first because of Raynaud's of the nipples. My doctor knew diddlysquat and told me we had thrush and I finally found an amazing LC that helped me and gave my doc tons of info on the condition. He finally treated me properly and I could finally start enjoying nursing my son.

If you warm your breasts make sure you use dry heat (I used a rice sock). Don't use warm washcloths...when the water is drying up and cooling off it will actually cause the vessels to vasospasm even more. Feel better mama!

 

[batsoup]

i'm now working with an awesome midwife/lactation person, and here's what we're doing:

B6 (125mg for 5 days, then 25mg
wool breast pads to kep breasts warm
garlic for vascular & immune suppot
calcium 2000mg & magnesium 1000mg
acidopholous & baby-dophilous in case it's yeasy related (also gentian violet, same reason)
&lots of emotional support (can be stress-related)

seems to be getting less frequent/severe