white spots on nipples--vasospasm?

genekelly

I've noticed 3 white spots on one nipple and 1 on my other nipple.  I initially thought they might be milk blisters but when I hand express milk, I can see some milk come out so I don't think it is a blocked duct.  I saw the lactation consultant this week and she said it looked like LO was causing a vasospasm in the nipple due to his sucking.  I repeatedly relatch him during our sessions to make sure he's not on just the nipple.  It is significantly painful when he initially latches but gets better after a minute or two and if I use a hot compress prior to feeding then it feels a lot better as well.  I'm wondering if anyone has anything like this and can give advice.   I also wonder who to talk to about it--my OB or a GP?  The breastfeeding resource center I've been to basically said that they would give advice and then could contact my doctor with a treatment recommendation.

karatechrissy

I have these SAME things on my nipples! It is SO painful in the beginning and gets better gradually. I just have to re-latch LO? I was going to call a LC tomorrow bc BFing is becoming a nightmare.

msdonnas

I'm not sure how vasospasms are for everyone, but for me the majority of my nipple turns ghost white, not normal skin white and then fades to blue then to purple. It hurts like hell, but usually after he eats, not at the beginning. In my research about it when I was diagnosed I found there are two kinds, and one can be caused by the baby's latch, even if its a good latch the baby may clamp down hard to prevent a strong milk flow. Do you have a strong let down? If so, try pumping a little to get rid of the initial flow, then feed the baby, maybe he won't clamp down then. Mine isn't caused by the latch as I have it in my fingers too. I take calcium, magnesium, a ton of evening primrose oil and after about 4 weeks it got better. I also have a prescription but I'm not taking it because the other stuff makes it manageable and I hate taking medications, but if the other stuff didn't work I would have taken it because I almost had to stop breastfeeding. Try to feed in a warm room and thy to avoid stress, I know that ones hard, but when I eliminated some stress it got better too.

genekelly

Thanks ladies!  It has gotten a little better and using the warm compress prior to feeding helps a lot.