I am trying to track down more information on Raynaud's and how it pertains to
nursing mothers. None of my doctors seem to be familiar with the fact that Raynaud's can
affect the nipples, and so none of them can help me.
Hopefully I can finally put an end to the pain I have endured for seven months! Thanks so
much!
Raynaud's Syndrome is a condition which affects mostly women between the ages
of 20 and 49. About 10 years ago, my mom was diagnosed with this condition. Fortunately
she had recently moved to Florida where she does not have to experience much cold weather!
During cold stress (or strong emotions), small arteries constrict (vasospasm) causing pain
and a temporary loss of color in the skin. Usually one thinks of this occurring in the
fingers, but for a breastfeeding woman, it can also occur in the nipples.
Once this has occurred, warming the nipples with warm compresses can be helpful.
Obviously, dressing warmly and avoiding cold is important. Smoking and caffeine can also
exacerbate Raynaud's.
Helpful strategies are: moderate aerobic exercise, adding calcium (2000mg per day) and
magnesium (1000 mg per day). Evening primrose oil and fish oil have been of help to some
patients. It can take very high doses and up to six week, however, for these to be
effective. Nifedipine is the most effective drug for this condition. This drug has been
approved by the AAP for breastfeeding mothers.
Cher Sealy, RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL
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