Breastfeeding can come with plenty of unexpected challenges, but ongoing nipple pain isn't something you should simply "push through."
When I was breastfeeding my first bub, things didn't exactly get off to a smooth start. He had an undiagnosed tongue tie that affected everything from my milk supply to his weight gain, and just when I felt like we were getting somewhere, I developed nipple vasospasm.
I'd never even heard of it before. The pain was burning, stinging and incredibly sharp, especially whenever I was cold. After meeting with an IBCLC, I ended up buying a bulk pack of hand warmers and keeping them tucked into my bra between feeds just to make the pain manageable. It certainly wasn't glamorous, but it helped me get through.
For World Breastfeeding Week, we sat down with registered Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Robynne Klyne from Newbies & Bewbies to learn more about nipple vasospasm, what causes it and how mums can find relief.
Quick answer
Nipple vasospasm happens when the blood vessels in the nipple suddenly narrow, reducing blood flow and causing intense burning, stabbing or throbbing pain. It can be triggered by cold temperatures, nipple trauma or breastfeeding attachment issues. The good news is that with the right support and management strategies, many mums find significant relief and are able to continue feeding comfortably.
What is nipple vasospasm and what causes it?
Vasospasm is the narrowing or tightening of blood vessels, which temporarily reduces blood flow to an area of the body. While it's commonly experienced in the fingers and toes, it can also affect the nipples during breastfeeding or expressing.
According to Robynne, nipple vasospasm is commonly associated with:
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Poor positioning or attachment during breastfeeding
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Nipple trauma or damage
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Cold temperatures
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Poor circulation
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Low body mass index (BMI)
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A family history of Raynaud's phenomenon
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Smoking
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Certain medications
Many mums notice that their nipples change colour during an episode, often turning white before becoming purple, blue or red as circulation returns.
Symptoms of nipple vasospasm can include:
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Burning nipple pain
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Sharp or stabbing pain
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Pain during or after feeds
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Pain between feeds
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Pain that radiates into the breast
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Nipple colour changes
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Symptoms that worsen in cold weather
If you're experiencing ongoing nipple pain while breastfeeding, it's worth seeking support rather than assuming it's a normal part of feeding.
How can you relieve nipple vasospasm?
"The first thing I recommend is seeing an IBCLC," Robynne explains.
"Breast or nipple pain always deserves assessment. We want to understand what's causing the pain and whether positioning, attachment or nipple trauma is contributing."
Improving your baby's attachment can reduce ongoing nipple trauma while also helping with milk transfer.
If you're expressing breast milk, it's equally important to check your flange size. A flange that's too large or too small can increase nipple trauma and make vasospasm symptoms worse. If you're unsure about sizing, our Breast Pump Flange Guide is a great place to start.
Because cold is one of the biggest triggers, Robynne also recommends:
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Wearing natural fibre breast pads and changing them regularly if they become damp.
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Dressing warmly before heading outside.
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Keeping the room warm during feeds, especially overnight in winter.
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Applying gentle warmth to the breast after feeding (ensuring heat packs are a safe temperature).
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Avoiding sudden temperature changes where possible.
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Avoiding unnecessary exposure of the nipples to cold air.
Some mums may also benefit from supplements such as magnesium, evening primrose oil or fish oil after discussing them with their healthcare provider.
For more severe cases, your GP may recommend medication such as nifedipine if it's appropriate for your individual situation.
Where Bubka products can help
If you're exclusively expressing or combination feeding, making sure your pump fits correctly is one simple way to reduce unnecessary nipple trauma.
Our Bubka Breast Pump Flanges and Inserts are designed to help mums find a comfortable fit, while our sizing guide can help you choose the right option before purchasing.
If you're pumping away from home, having a wearable pump that fits comfortably can also make expressing feel that little bit easier. The Bubka Glow Double Wearable Breast Pump Kit includes multiple flange sizes to help more mums find the right fit from the beginning.
When to get extra support from an IBCLC or health professional
Nipple vasospasm is just one possible cause of breastfeeding pain.
If you're experiencing persistent nipple pain, colour changes, pain between feeds or pain that isn't improving, it's important to seek support from an IBCLC or your healthcare provider.
An IBCLC can assess feeding, attachment and expressing, identify what's contributing to the pain and work alongside your GP if additional treatment is needed.
Remember, breastfeeding shouldn't be something you simply endure. Getting support early can make a huge difference.
Frequently asked questions
What does nipple vasospasm feel like?
Many mums describe it as burning, stabbing, throbbing or shooting pain that occurs during feeds, immediately afterwards or between feeds.
Can pumping cause nipple vasospasm?
It can. Using an incorrect flange size may contribute to nipple trauma, which can trigger or worsen vasospasm symptoms.
Does cold weather make nipple vasospasm worse?
Yes. Cold is one of the most common triggers, which is why keeping the nipples warm can help reduce symptoms for many mums.
Will nipple vasospasm go away?
For many mums, symptoms improve once the underlying cause is addressed and appropriate management strategies are in place. If symptoms continue, it's important to seek advice from an IBCLC or GP.
You don't have to figure it out alone
If breastfeeding or pumping has become painful, know that support is available. Working with an IBCLC can help identify what's causing the pain and create a plan that's tailored to you and your baby.
Sometimes even small changes can make feeding feel much more comfortable.
