Hi,

A mother posted this question to me on a pediatric website on which I answer
breastfeeding questions.  Does this sound like Raynaud's (nipple vasospasm)
to you?  Or is it a case of her flat/inverted nipple being compressed as it
is buried under the skin each time the baby nurses?  Recurrent thrush?

Any and all replies are truly appreciated! Following is the information that
you need:

"I'm hoping you have some suggestions for me. I have a 13 week old, and am
breastfeeding exclusivly. It was a trial
            to get started because I have flat nipples. But, we're doing
fine now. Except that it is incredibly painful everytime I
            start to feed her. It's not thrush. We've already been through
that. I think the pain is from my nipple being pulled
            into her mouth. It's painful for the first minute or so, and
then I'm ok once my nipple is stretched. Is there any way
            to avoid the pain? I go through the same each time I have to
express milk. It's painful until my nipple has relaxed
            enough into the pump.

            I also have pain as my nipple returns to it's normal size and
shape. The tip turns white (from the inside) and is
            painful unless I squeeze blood back into it."

Thanks!

Becky Flora
Kingsport, TN
hopefully an IBCLC by Tuesday (results were mailed yesterday!!)

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