Stinging and Burning when Breastfeeding - (it’s probably not thrush)
This blog series is intended to provide quick snippets of evidence based information on feeding and caring for your baby. They’re not AI generated - everything is fact checked by a human (me - Kate Sissons!) and based on real life work with babies and parents.
As always, these blogs are informational only and are not intended to treat or diagnose anything going on you or with your baby. Please consult with your medical care provider, as needed.
There are many reasons why a person may have nipple and breast pain, when lactating - breastfeeding and/or pumping. If you’re having stinging and shooting pains, that start at the nipple and radiate back in to the breast, AFTER and BETWEEN feeds, you have probably suspected thrush. Thrush is actually very uncommon on the nipple-areolar complex. Unfortunately, thrush medications are often prescribed to lactating parents when they are not necessary, which can lead to issues like dermatitis.
More often, the feelings of burning and stinging, is something called nipple vasospasm and there are accompanying symptoms that come along with these painful sensations.
Vasospasm Information & Symptoms
Vasospasm is a blood flow restriction.
If you have a history of Raynaud’s phenomenon you are more likely to have nipple vasospasm.
Vasospasm is often triggered by cold.
Vasospasm is often described as sharp, stabbing, stinging, shooting and burning sensations AFTER and BETWEEN breastfeeding and pumping.
Nipples may look pinched, post breastfeeding.
Nipples may lighten in colour or turn white (blanche) and then look purple, as the blood flow returns.
Tips to Help Prevent and Resolve Nipple Vasospasm
Aim for a wide, deep latch. You’ll want to avoid compression of your nipples. Work with a Lactation Consultant to help achieve this, as needed.
Check for tongue ties with your Lactation Consultant and a trained physician. Restricted tongue movement can increase the chance of nipple compression.
Use the best fit flanges for your body. Too large flanges can exacerbate and trigger vasospasm. Most people (roughly 98%, in my practice) are smaller than the standard sizes.
Cover up post breastfeeding or pumping, as well as when getting out of a shower, to avoid exposure to cold.
Wear warm layers in cooler weather and wintertime.
Use wool breast pads to keep nipples warm.
Use warm olive oil on nipples, post feed or pumping.
Regular pectoral and shoulder massage and stretching, to help with blood flow. This will be helpful, regardless, as we get so hunched over when feeding and caring for babies.
Take B complex vitamins and magnesium.
If everything else is not working, or not working well enough, you can consult with your doctor about taking Nifedipine, a medication that can help blood vessels relax.
Need more help? Get in touch to book a Lactation and Infant Feeding Consult.
Kate is a Childbirth Educator, Birth & Postpartum Doula, Lactation Consultant, Infant Sleep Educator and Movement Expert, living in Toronto, with her 3 children.
She provides care privately, in homes, and through a pediatric clinic.
She loves babies, movement, smoothies, green tea and sunshine.
Book your Lactation Visit here!
