Hi all
After desperately trying to catch up with my Lactnet digests, I have
time to answer a query. There was a very good article on nipple
vasospasm in the May 1996 edition of Breastfeeding Review, written by
Laureen and Carolyn Lawlor-Smith, two doctors/LCs in South Australia
(I think they are on lactnet). Along with the measures already
suggested by other lactnetters, they suggest that smoking can cause
the problem (as little as 2 cigarettes a day), as well as caffeine. On
the treatment side, they suggest moderate aerobic exercise, evening
primrose oil 12 capsules per day, or fish oil 12 capsules a day (but
that these two treatments take up to 6 weeks to work). Nifedipine, a
calcium channel blocker, has been used. They suggest 5mg three times a
day, gradually increasing until optimal clinical response is reaches.
They say that less than 5% of the dose gets in to breastmilk, and that
is appears to pose no risk to the infant. They go on to describe
possible side-effects, so anyone considering using nifedipine should
check this first.

Fiona Coombes MBBS IBCLC               [log in to unmask]
Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia Breastfeeding Counsellor
Lactation Consultant, Family Physician
Perth Western Australia