Cracked/scabby nipples & reynauds - will this ever get better?

[shelby]

Hi there,

I had my beautiful girl a week ago and have had problems breastfeeding from the beginning.

The 2 main problems at the moment are the fact that my nipples are cracked and a little scabby with a couple of little blood blisters, suggesting an attachment problem, which is causing me pain.

The other problem I have is intense pain in the nipples when she feeds, and the hospital midwifes told me I have reynauds. The main symptoms I have are just intense and sometimes excruciating pain when trying to feed, and my nipples go white then purple after a feed.

So at the moment I have bought a breast pump and am expressing almost all feeds, and trying to feed her off both breasts once each day. I was hoping to start increasing it to 2 feeds then 3 and so on but am struggling just to do 1.

I went and saw a doctor today as I read in another post that there can be some meds I can take that help but as my blood pressure was apparently too low (110/70) she wouldnt give them to me. She also didnt believe I had reynauds, after feeling my fingers and my ears (not sure what that had to do with anything).

I am going to try to see a lactation consultant but in the meantime any advice you have would be great. I am so down about breastfeeding and hate expressing but want to keep my supply up in the hope that it will get better eventually and that I will be able to BF exclusively. The midwifes at the hospital said my nipples may desensitise in time or may not.

Thanks heaps
Shelby

[Pinky McKay]

Hi Shelby - what you are describinbg -nipple blanching after feeds - could be nipple vasosspesm - this can eb due to Reynauds which is a disorder that effects circulation - hence the Dr checking your ears and hands - cold hands/ extremeties are a symptom.
Nipple vVasosspasm can also happen due to poor attachment/ positioning of your baby at the breast as this can pinch blood vessels, affecting circulation.

It would be wise to see a lactation consultant to have your babys attachment sorted out -this will help relieve your sore nipples too. She will also be able to advise you how best to help heal your nipples depending on what is happening - ie if there is some thrush or infection.

It will also help to keep your breasts warm - apply small heat packs - wrapped so these dont burn - see Mothers Drect, the Australian Breastfeeding Association shop ( in Melbourne or Sydney or online) for breastwarmers.

Hang in there and seek help - things WILL get better with the right support!

Pinky