Some women may notice that their nipples look pinched after breastfeeding. The pinched or compressed nipple can change color and be painful, causing concern for the breastfeeding mother. Understanding what is happening, improving latch and following other suggestions can help to alleviate concerns and discomfort.
Speak with a board-certified lactation consultant or a healthcare provider if you have additional breastfeeding concerns.
Compression
The cause of pinched, compressed, flattened, creased, pointed nipples is usually an improper latch. A blanching of the nipple may be noticeable if the nipple appears pinched. This happens when the blood flow is cut off from the nipple during a feeding. Sometimes the pain associated with the blanched nipple can be misdiagnosed as a thrush infection. A good latch helps to alleviate discomfort for the breastfeeding mother and helps the nursing child obtain adequate milk flow.
Vasospasms
A vasospasm happens when blood vessels constrict, not allowing blood flow and oxygen to reach cells. Vasospasms while breastfeeding can be a response to nipple trauma or pain. Nipple trauma can be the result of tissue damage or of an infection such as thrush. In the case of trauma the nipple changes color after the breastfeeding session has ceased, unlike pinched nipples caused by compression, which change color during feeding. If the latch and position are good, healing the trauma will help to alleviate the pain and vasospasms. Seek the advice of a board-certified lactation consultant or healthcare provider for proper treatment of an injury.
Raynaud's Phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon is a disorder of the small blood vessels in the skin. One marker for the disorder is pain like pins and needles in the extremities when exposed to cold temperatures. Breastfeeding mothers describe the nipple vasospasms as stinging, tingling, burning and a very painful sensation that continues after breastfeeding, according to Judith Lauwers and Anna Swisher, co-authors of "Counseling the Nursing Mother." The nipple changes colors like the extremities, white to blue to red as the blood flow returns. Correcting the breastfeeding latch may help ease some of the pain. In addition, right after the nursing child releases, it may help to cover the nipple with dry heat, such as from a warmed-up uncooked-rice-filled sock.
Latch
The first step to alleviating pain associated with pinched nipples is getting a good latch while breastfeeding. Cup your breast gently with the hand not supporting your child's body and head. Rub your nipple gently on the infant's cheek or lips to stimulate him to seek the breast. Once the baby has opened his mouth wide, draw him into the breast. Aim your nipple upwards in his mouth and try to get about an inch of your areola and nipple into the mouth. Your breast should be gently indented. His chin will be slightly raised upward to allow for good airflow. The lips of the nursing child are flanged like fish lips. If you feel pain or are uncomfortable, gently put a pinky in the side your child's mouth and release the suction between him and your breast before removing him. Once you are both comfortable and latched, you should notice a sequence of rapid and slow sucks occasionally accompanied by the sound of swallowing, signifying milk flow.
References
- "Counseling the Nursing Mother"; Judith Lauwers and Anna Swisher; 2005
- La Leche League: How Do I Position My Baby to Breastfeed?
