Help - I'm ready to throw in the towel and I really don't want to!

[hdc]

Hi, please have a look into nipple vasospasm.. I had a similar experience to you early on, re-occuring mastitis, cracked nipples and severe nipple pain during/post feeding. My nipples were so damaged they would blanche and lose circulation during feeds, when cold etc.etc.
I saw many people, my GP, obs, lactation expert at the royal womens (who suggested thrush or infection) etc.. tried many different treatments.

I came so close to giving up, many feeds would end in tears and frustration and i spent the good part of the first 2 months pumping at least 50% of feeds to bottle feed my bubs. Slow pumping on a light setting was slightly less painful than having bubs feed.

Finally, as a last resort, my maternal child health nurse suggested a drug which has been used (off-label use) to treat nipple vasospasm - 'nifedipine' which is actually a calcium channel blocker (blood pressure lowering) medication. She referred me to the head of lactation research at monash medical centre and he ok'd it as safe during bf.

went to my GP (big womens clinic) for script - the doctor had never heard of nipple vasospasm or the use of nifedipine to treat it, she was utterly condescending, saying the latch must be the problem (which i knew it was not!!). I returned with my partner, who insisted the GP talk to the lactation spec. At monash, after which finally and reluctantly, she agreed to let me try the nifedipine..

It took around 10 days to notice any change, but the spasms suddenly started to become less painful and frequent. My nipples were still blanching, but it didn't hurt as much! Finally!!! By 4 weeks I was completely pain free and could enjoy breastfeeding for the first time (baby was around 3 months old when i stopped expressing and could 100% breastfeed!)

Many people who hear my story are surprised i didn't give up along the way.... To be honest, i came close more than once, but so glad now that i didn't! After 1 month I weaned myself off the nifedipine gradually, until i was completely off it. The spasms never returned and I assume the early trauma that caused the spasms had been able to heal.

I just wanted to share my story, so you know there is light at the end of the 'extreme nipple pain' tunnel!!! My symptoms may not be the same as yours, but it did sound very similar... Also, if it becomes too much and you need to stop, please don't beat yourself up for it. I had a very supportive partner who would often tell me i was doing a great job even if I couldn't keep bf'ing, it really helped me perservere through the hard times....
(ps sorry for any bad spelling, not sure how to spell check on my phone)


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