Hello! I guess I should post my own thoughts on the topic, as I asked for others to do the 
same.

Vasospams plagued me. They are terrible! I tried everything in the books to remedy- 
without going for nifedipine. I had spasms coming out of the shower or sitting on the 
toilet- too cold! They were not predictable or only associated with feedings.

Rice socks were inconvenient to re-heat throughout the day and totally inconvenient when 
out of the house. They could also become too hot. I finally thought of "pocket warmers". 
"Pocket warmers" last 6-10 hours once activated. I would put a cloth bra pad on my skin 
and then the warmer on top of that. They could be shaken briefly to reactivate when 
needed. They worked wonders!  I still blanch but feel no pain (2.5 years later, still 
nursing). 

In addition to the typical recommendations, I encourage 2-5 minutes of heat (regardless 
of type of compress) before and immediately afterward to prevent and relieve the pain. If 
it doesn't help significantly, I may recommend nifedipine. Heat worked well for me, so I 
did not go that far.

With any method of heat, mothers need to be careful that their compress doesn't get too 
hot. "Pocket warmers", rice socks, or other compresses need to be kept away from 
children and animals. Also, the "pocket warmers" need to be kept dry (prevent milk 
saturation).

These are just my thoughts. I am glad to read the thoughts from others!

Kind regards,
Kate Cropp WHNP, IBCLC MSN
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Mama to nursling Henry, 33 months!

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