Calling all who have some experience with vasospasm of the nipple!  This
mother had severe vasospasm following the birth of her first child 3 1/2
years ago.  The severity lasted three months: toes curling, teeth grinding
pain every time she nursed.  It happened if she pumped also.  The pain never
completely went away but was manageable after the initial 3 months.  Mom is
now pregnant and first child just weaned recently.  Mom really wanted first
child to continue nursing through the pregnancy in hopes of preventing a
three-month torture session with birth of second.  First child weaned
anyway.  Now mom is 10 weeks pregnant  and VERY fearful that she'll have
severe vasospasm again.  This mom will not consider medication of any sort.
Question:  Does anybody know if the three month severity has to do with the
post-partum hormone levels?  Could it be that the constriction response to
the stimulation of the nipple just gradually lessens with time?
Mom wants to know if she should pump a little each day during the pregnancy
to lessen chance of recurrence post-partum.  If the vasospasm is a response
to hormones, then stimulating the nipple during this pregnancy may not make
any difference.  Can anyone give their experience?  Thank you so much!
Kitty Hunt, IBCLC
Gloucester, MA

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