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Informations about vasospasm

Herzl Family Practice Centre, Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic © 2009, revised 2023
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Herzl Family Practice Centre, Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic
Nipple vasospasm
Patient handout
Definition:
 Vasospasm is when our blood vessels contract or become smaller in diameter and blood flow is
restricted.
 Vasospasm can happen with exposure to cold or emotional stress, but in some people, it can cause
pain.
 In some breastfeeding mothers, the blood vessels in the nipple can spasm, known as “nipple
vasospasm”.
Risk factors for nipple vasospasm:
 Exposure to cold temperatures.
 Periods of severe emotional stress
 Cigarette smoking or second-hand
smoke
 Nipple cracks or trauma
 Poor latch or biting
 Migraines
 Certain medical conditions such as Raynaud’s disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and
hypothyroidism
 Certain medications such as Fluconazole/Diflucan (thrush treatment) or the birth control
pill.
Nipple vasospasm may sometimes feel like a thrush infection of the nipple or breast. However,
nipple or breast candida infection is actually not common.
Herzl Family Practice Centre, Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic © 2009, revised 2023
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How can I tell if I have nipple vasospasm?
 You may have mild to severe nipple/breast pain:
o The pain could be burning, throbbing, stabbing, deep, numbing, like pins and
needles or electrical chocks.
o The pain can last from seconds to hours and come during or in between feeds.
o The pain may get worse when the nipples are exposed to cold, i.e. when you step
outside in cold weather, or when you get out of a hot shower.
o When you are having the pain, your nipples may change color to pale/white,
blue/purple, or dark red. These color changes are a sign that your blood vessels are
contracting or spasming but are not a concern if they are not painless.
Things to try at home:
 First of all, make sure your baby has a good latch and that you have no pain while nursing.
 Heat is very important. Make sure you stay warm and protect your nipples at all times.
When baby comes off the breast or when you are having the pain, you can quickly apply
warm dry heat or the palm of your hand on the nipple for immediate relief. Applying warm
dry heat any time between feeds may also be helpful, including using a heating pad or
microwaveable pad.
 Massaging and stretching your pectoral muscle/chest wall or your breast may help when
you are having vasospasm. A health professional can show you how to do this.
 Staying active with some aerobic exercise may help.
 Avoid cigarette smoking and second-hand smoke.
 Decrease caffeine use.
It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible if this problem is continuing despite
your efforts.
Treatments for nipple vasospasm:
Herzl Family Practice Centre, Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic © 2009, revised 2023
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 The use of AdvilTM or MotrinTM (ibuprofen) and/or TylenolTM (acetaminophen) may be very
useful to treat the pain of nipple vasospasm. These medications are safe during
breastfeeding
 Your health professional may suggest high doses of calcium and magnesium, and vitamin
B6. Please consult your health professionals for doses specific to your case.
 Omega fatty acids may also help. Evening primrose oil and fish oil capsules are rich sources
of omega fatty acids. You can also try Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA).
 Ginger may be beneficial in capsule form, in a tea, or as part of your diet.
 Nifedipine (AdalatTM), which are normally used for high blood pressure, can also be used
for nipple vasospasm, and is safe for breastfeeding mothers and infants.
o Usually it is prescribed for a few weeks, and this may be enough to get rid of the
nipple pain. However, some mothers have to take them for longer times.
o Your blood pressure will usually be checked by your physician before Nifedipine is
prescribed to you, because this medication may lower your blood pressure.
o If you have any side effects like dizziness, feeling faint, headache, palpitations,
flushing or leg swelling, you should stop the medication and contact your physician
as soon as possible.
The information contained in this patient handout is a suggestion only, and is not a substitute for consultation with a health
professional or lactation specialist. This handout is the property of the author(s) and the Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic. No part of
this handout can be changed or modified without permission from the author and the Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic. This handout
may be copied and distributed without further permission on the condition that it is not used in any context in which the
International Code for the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes is violated. For more information, please contact the Goldfarb
Breastfeeding Clinic, Herzl Family Practice Centre, SMBD Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. © 2009, revised 2023

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Thématiques :
Douleur aux mamelons / seins  Positions et mise au sein

Mots-clés :
vasospasm persistent pain nipple

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