Breastfeeding has many benefits, both for the mother as well as the baby. The mother experiences uterine contractions, which help shrink the uterus to its previous size. She also burns up the fat stores from pregnancy and is even less likely to get breast cancer. The baby is benefited by having the perfect nutrition for their body at the time when they need it most. Breastfeeding is beautiful and natural. Unfortunately for some women, it is also painful due to Raynaud's Syndrome, when small arteries constrict (vasospasm) causing pain and a temporary loss of color in the skin.
Symptoms of Raynaud's Syndrome
In breastfeeding mothers, the symptoms include numbness, burning and pain. The skin of the area usually also turns blue, and then when the blood starts flushing back the skin turns a reddish color. Most times moms who breastfeed with Raynaud say that the pain occurs right after baby has stopped breastfeeding…they say that their nipples turn white and feel as though they are being clamped down by a vice grip. After a while the blood, starts to return to the area resulting in red nipples.
Causes of Raynaud's Syndrome
The causes of Raynaud's Syndrome aren't completely understood. For those who experience it in the fingers and toes, it can be triggered by cold weather. For the breastfeeding mom, it can happen before, during, and after the baby latches. It can happen during any season of the year, with any weather. Certain things, such as stress and taking certain medicines, can trigger an attack. Smoking and caffeine can also exacerbate Raynaud's. But the most common trigger is exposure to cold. In the cold, it’s normal for the body to narrow the small blood vessels to the skin and to open the blood vessels to the inside parts of the body to keep the body warm. But with Raynaud’s, the body overreacts and restricts blood flow through the small vessels to the skin more than necessary.
Treatment of Raynaud's Syndrome
Many women who have experienced Raynaud's Syndrome agree that heat therapy is an effective treatment for the pain. Apply a heating pad as soon as the baby comes off the nipple. Pain relief can also come from taking Ibruprofen. Avoiding nicotine and caffeine can also help. If the pain is persistent, see a doctor. Nifedipene, a calcium channel blocker, can be prescribed to prevent the painful spasms. There is no need to discontinue breastfeeding in order to take this medicine. Most doctors will prescribe a two week dose in order to "clear up" the vasospasms.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources
- Raynaud's Phenomenon: Topic Overview. http://arthritis.webmd.com/tc/raynauds-phenomenon-topic-overview. July 25, 2011.
- Raynaud's Syndrome and Breastfeeding. http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/helpme_asklc_ans45.html. July 25, 2011.
- Breastfeeding With Raynaud's Disease. http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/Raynauds-disease.html. July 25, 2011.
Renae Sevigny - Renae Sevigny has been writing for Suite101 since 2011. Her written works range from nonfiction articles to her work-in-progress novel.
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