Managing your Raynaud’s symptoms
Find out some information on how to help manage your Raynaud’s symptoms
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Raynaud’s and Breastfeeding
Raynaud’s can affect any extremity, including the nipple, and this can make breastfeeding very painful. It may be precipitated by the cold, although the stress that often accompanies trying to establish breastfeeding so soon after birth may also be a factor.
Raynaud’s nipple may sometimes be misdiagnosed and treated as thrush or an infection, when in fact what is needed is treatment for Raynaud’s.
It is vital to keep warm, and this means maintaining core temperature with warm, thermal clothing and layers, as this will help to ensure that blood is not redirected away from the extremities.
It may be useful to note this in your birth plan prior to a hospital delivery, and do not be afraid to remind those around you if necessary.
There is some evidence that taking Omega 3 and fish oils may be helpful, although in some cases medication will be needed to control symptoms.
If things are very difficult, remember that formula milk is a perfectly suitable substitute for your baby.
Watch our video below with Rheumatologist Dr Elizabeth Price who explains Raynaud’s in the nipples for women who are breastfeeding:
Raynaud’s and Pregnancy
Raynaud’s is much more frequent in women than men and typically develops at a young age and so is commonly seen in pregnancy. Raynaud’s usually improves in pregnancy but can worsen afterwards.
There is no specific link between Raynaud’s and miscarriages although some of the causes of secondary Raynaud’s such as lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome may be associated with recurrent miscarriage.
