Nipple vasospasm occurs when blood vessels tighten causing pain during, immediately after, or between breastfeeds. It is usually worse when you are cold or have a history of Raynaud's phenomenon. Nipple vasospasm can cause intense nipple pain.
Mastitis. Mastitis (inflammation in the breast) happens when a blocked duct is not relieved. It makes the breast feel painful and inflamed, and can make you feel very unwell with flu-like symptoms. If you do not deal with the early signs of mastitis, it can turn into an infection and you'll need to take antibiotics.
Breast pain linked to periods (cyclical breast pain)
You may experience heaviness, tenderness, a burning, prickling or stabbing pain, or a feeling of tightness. The pain usually affects both breasts but it can affect just one breast. It can also spread to the armpit, down the arm and to the shoulder blade.
As a result of these factors, many women notice changes in how the nipple feels after the surgery. The nipple may have reduced sensation or may even feel completely numb. Some women may also experience tingling of the nipple, or feel “zingers” (quick, sharp sensations) from time to time.
How do I know whether my breasts are empty? There's no test or way to know for sure. In general, though, if you gently shake your breasts and they feel mostly soft and you don't feel the heaviness of milk sitting in them, you're probably fine.
The pain can last for a few seconds or longer. Some women experience vasospasm when they 'let down' or their milk ejection reflex has been activated.
Plugged Milk Ducts
A plugged milk duct feels like a tender, sore lump or knot in the breast. It happens when a milk duct does not drain properly. Pressure builds up behind the plugged duct, and the tissue around it gets irritated. This usually happens in one breast at a time.
Pain under or in the left breast could have many possible causes, such as injury, infection, hormones, and lung problems. Sometimes left breast pain can be related to your heart, so it's important to first rule this out before considering other causes.
Signs of forceful letdown
Feedings feel like a struggle. Your baby may cough, choke, splutter, or gulp quickly at the breast, especially with each letdown. Baby may clamp down at the nipple to try to stop or slow the rapid flow of milk. This may cause sore, creased, pinched nipples.
Especially if your baby is younger your husband may be able to suck a lot harder. The founder of The Confused Mom had her husband unclog her milk duct by lining up his chin, with the clog and sucking. You can also use the dangle feeding position above to allow gravity to help him suck it out.
Not only is breastfeeding safe with a plugged duct, it's the best way to get rid of a clog. Offer your baby the affected breast firstan, and make sure she drains the breast thoroughly at each feeding. (Read: don't pull her off too quickly.)
Some other strategies that can clear the clogged duct and relieve pain include: Applying a heating pad or warm cloth for 20 minutes at a time. Allowing hot water to flow onto the breasts in the shower can also be beneficial. Soaking the breasts in warm Epsom salt baths for 10–20 minutes.
Describing nipple vasospasm
You may feel intense nipple pain, which is worse when you are cold. Some women describe the pain as a burning and throbbing. You may notice the nipple or the tip of the nipple blanches or turns white. You may notice other colour changes of the nipple.
Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) occurs in 3–5% of the population, with the rate of occurrence in women about four times that in men. It is caused by vasospasm of the blood vessels in the extremities, including the nipple. RP of the nipple can be extremely painful and result in nursing cessation.
Genuine nipple thrush is absolute agony; it feels like having shards of glass inside one's nipples. Mothers will experience excruciating pain during a feed and for up to an hour afterwards. Because it spreads so fast, thrush will always be in both breasts.
Other studies have found that an abnormality in the hormone prolactin may affect breast pain. Hormones can also affect cyclical breast pain due to stress. Breast pain can increase or change its pattern with the hormone changes that happen during times of stress.
When is breast milk replenished? All the time, even while you're pumping or nursing. Your breasts are constantly making milk, so it's never possible to completely empty them.
The more milk your baby removes from your breasts, the more milk you will make. Despite views to the contrary, breasts are never truly empty. Milk is actually produced nonstop—before, during, and after feedings—so there's no need to wait between feedings for your breasts to refill.
Some babies are snackers – they nurse for a minute or two, take a break, and then go back. Other babies can drain the breast in two minutes and be satisfied for a few hours. It depends on how much milk you're making and your let down, too.
Dangle Feeding
Make gravity work to your advantage with this breastfeeding position. Dangle feeding is exactly what it sounds like — you let your breasts dangle so your baby can nurse. For this position, your baby will always be flat on their back but your position can vary somewhat.