Nipple Vasospasms, Raynaud's Syndrome, and Nifedipine

Abstract

This case report describes a situation in which a mother who experienced prolonged nipple pain with her first child sought help from a lactation consultant at the birth of her second child. Despite being very attentive to positioning and latch, similar pain was experienced from the first feeding with the second baby. The mother’s history and symptoms were explored, and nipple vasospasms related to Raynaud’s syndrome were suspected. After reviewing the literature and consulting with her personal obstetrician, the mother (a pediatrician)chose to treat with nifedipine. The motherwas pain free after a 2-week course and nursing without difficulty at 4 months postpartum.