Update - I thought I would let you know what finally helped me get rid of my vasospasm in case anyone is still having problems. Basically I was referred to another private LC who put me on a strict diet. The theory is that my milk was giving Pearl a sore tummy and making her chew on my nipples which was causing the spasm. After about 3 weeks on the diet I was about 95% better and totally drug free. It was such a relief after about 10weeks of pain and no solutions. The LC I spoke with was Robyn Noble she runs Bayside Breastfeeding clinic and I would recommend her for unusual BF problems and unsettled bubs.
hi, i'm also battling vasospasms... just wondering what you could eat on your diet, and if it was specifically tested for your child or a more general 'low reaction' diet? I'm working with a LC but not getting much relief so looking for more potential solutions.. thanks
Just saw this and thought I would comment super quickly as I run out the door. I was using glyceryl trinitrate for a different problem (it dilates your blood vessels, but also does it to the ones in your hear causing me severe headaches), which althought made my vasospasm better, I couldn't handle it.
The 2 other things my LC who is also a dr recommended - HUGE amounts of Blackmores BioMagnesium. She said use this brand as it has a better ratio/concentrate or something (it's been 5+ years so my memory is hazy), and the magnesium helps with cramping which is 1 of the problems that is occurring from the vasospasm.
2) - Swedish breast warming pads - you get them from the ABA, they are foil lined so it reflects the head back onto your breast. - they really do work - you wear them any time you are not breastfeeding.
Other than that try to stay as warm as possible, feed is a heated room, and try to also keep the other side covered. Also, warm showers helped a lot.
Rosemary - the main part of the diet was no dairy (at all) I was allowed rice milk instead, no processed foods at all (basically nothing out of a packet with any preservatives etc), no sugar and plenty of animal fat (meat 3 times a day) there were other things as well such as no concentrated tomato and only white or wholemeal bread (had to be bakery bread as well - no preservatives).
It takes about 3 weeks for all of the diary to get out of your system but it was HEAPS better than being on all the drugs (I also purchased some breast warmers but nothing else really worked for me). I am happy to say that after being on the diet for about 7 months I finally stopped a couple of months ago and have had no return of the vasospasm!! The diet was not specifically tested for my baby but I figured it couldn't be any worse than all the drugs I was on. If you are thinking about going on it I would really recommend speaking to the LC I mentioned as she may suggest something other than the diet and she will post you all the details (she is great at dealing with issues on the phone). Good luck - I really know how horrible it is to be in the doldrums with VS an wish you the best of luck - if it is any inspiration I have been feeding pain free for months now and still happily bfing my 11 month old.
I just noticed this thread and am subscribing. I'm an EEer and the reasons I can't BF are probably multifactored but I think the problem started with severe vasospasm and I fit the criteria for Reynards Syndrome. I have been worried about facing the whole thing again if I have another bub. I did see LCs for 9 weeks but no one mentioned treatment for the vasopasm but were quick to 'diagnose' it, but I guess by then it came down to nipple confusion and reflux symptoms which complicated getting the BF happening so the focus was on nipple confusion and attachment by the LCs.
This thread is so inspirational to me and I will take note of the experience and advice offered here in the event I have another bub so I'm not set up to fail again.
Well done to the ladies who have been able to overcome or manage the symptoms, you are so brave to have your little ones at your nipples when you experience vasospasm. I would hesitate and hold my breath each time before getting my DS to latch, so you are certainly brave.
LisaB - I used the cry and stomp my feet every time DS would feed I was in that much pain, and came so close to giving up. We made it to over a year (had no milk as I was pregnant again), and when I had my DD I never got vasospasm again, which was good. I honestly found the biomagnesium made a huge difference, and apparently it is good for those with Reynards Syndrome as I did a lot of googling about it at the time. I should ask our nanny, she also has Reynards Syndrome, so I will find out what she does
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