These conditions are due to a spasm of blood vessels preventing blood from getting to a particular area of the body, typically the end of an extremity, though not necessarily. They often occur in response to a drop in temperature. Raynaud’s phenomenon will occur in the fingers, for example, when someone goes outside from a warm house on a cool day. The fingers will turn white and the lack of blood getting to the tips of the fingers will cause pain. Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs more commonly in women than men.  Vasospasm can also occur in nipples. 

  • pain usually occurs after a feed, nipple usually immediately turns white.
  • Mom usually describes pain as burning

For detailed information about these conditions CLICK HERE for Dr. Newman’s factsheet on Vasospasm and Raynaud’s Phenomenon and HERE for a video of a nipple showing vasospasm