Vasospasms

While breastfeeding is natural, and should be easy, it isn’t always. One of the things that can happen is a painful vasospasm. This is commonly seen as a very white nipple after feeding that is painful. This is usually very painful as the white coloring goes away.

So why does this happen? It’s all about compression. Think about pinching one finger watching it turn white and holding it for 2 mins, 5 mins, 15 mins!! That is what’s happening to the nipple. It is being compressed by baby’s jaws, slowing down the blood flow, causing pain.

Why would a baby’s jaws be compressing your nipple? Unfortunately, that comes back to oral function and tension. So if baby’s tongue can’t lift, cup, extend, if it can’t hold onto the breast to adequately feed, then other parts will step in to help. That is why baby’s jaws will hold onto the breast and nipple, keeping it still for feeding. Think of a water bottle with a straw- Camelbak is a perfect example of this. You can’t just drink directly from the little tip at the end of the straw. First you must use your teeth to pinch the silicone and then suck to get the drink up and out of the straw. That is exactly what baby is doing. They are pinching/holding/compressing that tip (your nipple) and then trying to drink.

So what do we do about vasospasms?!?! Well first we work on latch and positioning. Once the basics are covered, we look at baby to evaluate and support oral function and body tension, that might include a referral to a skilled bodyworker. We also can recommend things to help your nipples in the meantime as we work to increase baby’s function.

Vasospasms hurt!! Don’t suffer wehn we can support you to enjoyable and painless feeding, Reach out for an appointment today!