breast pain in 2nd trimester

motherwise · 01-18-2006, 05:08 PM

I have a client who is complaining of quite painful sharp stinging sensation mainly in and around the nipple area. She is due May 15. What reason/advice can I give her on this? It doesn't sound like the normal breast pain during pregnancy, and it just started. Anyone have an idea?

Thanks
Marilyn

Tiffany · 01-18-2006, 05:30 PM

Hmm, I'm not sure! Maybe she should get that checked out by her doc to make sure there's no lumps or anything? I'm sure it's just something to do with the pregnancy--maybe a milk duct was stimulated and became clogged? I really don't know, I hope someone else can give you some better info! If it persists I would probably just have her mention it to her doc.

heathenmamaof5 · 01-18-2006, 09:41 PM

Hello Ladies!

This question stumped me, my first thought was, "is she nursing?" My second was yeast. Then I called my best freind Jaye.

Jaye is an IBCLC and is in private practice in the greater Sacramento area. I'm on the phone with her and she says -

We need more information. Here are some questions to ask.

Which pregnancy is this? Is she nursing a toddler?

Does she have a history of yeast overgrowth. Has she had several yeast infections? Is it chronic?

What's the weather like where she lives? Does the sensation happen when it's cold? The reason for this question is that there is a condition called Reynaud's syndrome. In this syndrome the blood vessels dilate and contract rapidly. This can cause the nipple to blanch white then turn a deep red or purple. When she has this sensation has she looked to see what's happening?

Ask about changes in laundry soap. Is she doing anything to "toughen" her nipples? A change in laundry soap is an unlikely cause for this. We're looking for clues.

There couldn't be a plugged duct if she doesn't have milk. At this point in her pregnancy she would have colustrum which shouldn't cause a plugged duct. If she's nursing a toddler then she should nurse that toddler!

She really should contact a IBCLC in her area. She also needs to talk with her Dr. and/or midwife about what is going on.

Lastly Jaye asks, "Would you like an IBCLC to join AllDoulas? I'd be happy to hang out!"

So Marilyn, let us know what you find out. I'm really interested in the outcome.

Sorry no smilies, for some reason I can't get the dang thing to work.

<smooch>

Jill

Tiffany · 01-18-2006, 10:11 PM

Jill and everyone, feel free to send anyone in the "birth industry" our way for sure!

Stacie · 01-18-2006, 11:04 PM

I agree with heathen (that's funny, lol). You need more information. Just as an aside, LLL started a message board last week that you could send her to. The url is http://lalecheleague.org/vbulletin/index.php.

motherwise · 01-19-2006, 01:14 AM

Thanks. This is her first pregnancy, no hx of yeast, candida etc. No vaginal yeast. No redness, heat, lumpiness etc. She says the sensation comes and goes and disappears as quickly as it comes but it is quite painful and sudden. We live in San Diego where it is sunny right now. Jill, tell your friend to join us!!! We could really use her input! Thank you for all your input!

heathenmamaof5 · 01-19-2006, 10:44 AM

Is there a way to send Jaye an invite? Or do I just tell her to go to AllDoulas.com???

mamamilk · 01-19-2006, 02:51 PM

Hi All,

Name is Jaye Simspon, IBCLC, CIMI. Thanks for the invite!

Ok - down to business - first if you have any questions about BF just ask! I love this stuff...

Regarding this mom - one person posted that it could just be 'one of thos ethings' that happens when the breasts are getting ready to work and do the job they were designed for. I agree. Sometimes we have 'unexplained breast/nipple pain' - who knows why...it just is.

Reynauds (vasospasm) is a condition that happens regardless of the weather. It is the body's reaction to cold of any kind - even mild. It can happen at any time without warming. The easiest way for mom to determine if this is the possible situation is to watch the nipple when the pain occurs. Reynauds (or a vasospasm) will reesult in the nipple actually blanching (turning whiteish) then changing in color from the white, to various shades of red - even a deep purple. It has to do iwth blood flow - blood drains (or is spasmed) out of the nipple suddenly which causes the tingling/burning sensation then rapidly comes back in which causes PAIN. It can last up to a few minutes or just a few seconds - it is really quite annoying...

There is medication that can be taken safely to treat Reynauds. It is called Nifedipine. But she would need a diagnosis and to see her Dr.

If it isn't reynauds then a check up would be a good idea to rule out anything else...plugged duct is not likely due to the stage of development she is in...BUt it was a good thought!

Any other questions...I'll be lurking!

Warmly,
Jaye

DL · 01-19-2006, 03:14 PM

It's great to have you here! I've been reading this thread with great interest; I was excited to hear that Jill was going to invite you to join us!

It will be great having an IBCLC on board!

I'm Lori, a Certified Labor Doula through CAPPA. I live in Ohio with my wonderful dh and handsome 2 teen boys ( 14 & 17).

Be sure to post in the Introductions thread so that no one will miss officially welcoming you! It's good to "meet" you!

loveslabor · 01-20-2006, 04:38 PM

that it might be Reynauds as well. One of my old clients had Reynauds...hers was diagnosed, but no meds, and she had pain in her breasts starting in the 2nd trimester

fearlessbirth · 01-20-2006, 05:00 PM

Welcome Jaye! I look forward to learning lots from you. I am very interested in one day becoming a lactation counselor but I haven't breastfed a baby yet.

heathenmamaof5 · 01-22-2006, 11:23 AM

April,

You're absolutely right, we do have several qualified Doulas with extensive breastfeeding experience. Me included. But sometimes it's nice to have the input of an IBCLC. Jaye has been an LC for many years. She also worked for WIC as a peer counselor for many years. I think we should get all the input we can from anybody that is willing to join us.

Just my 2 cents...

Jill

DL · 01-22-2006, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My2girlsmama

Well, as someone training in the breastfeeding field as well as noting there are quite a few trained here, that is kind of not cool. I mean yes an IBCLC is further trained in the medical apsects of issues, however I run a web site filled with links to find out such info not to mention general info within it. And I know TLC doula here is a BF educator etc....
Just a reminder many of us here are quite qualified if not certified.

I personally think that there is room for us all here. The more input, the better, IMO!

Having an IBCLC on board (or RN, Midwife, or Dr for that matter) does not belittle what you or anyone else on here has learned from research, experience, and training.

Tiffany has welcomed anyone in the "birth industry" to join us.

Yes, it's a doula board (and I hope it always retains that focus), but it's a great opportunity for others in the childbirth industry to learn what doulas are all about and for us to learn from each other! I see it as a win-win situation.... Just my

heathenmamaof5 · 01-22-2006, 04:13 PM

OK, April, now you've offended ME. I was a long time LLL Leader (9years) Jaye also happens to be my BEST FREIND. I made that VERY clear in my first post. I NEVER said ANYTHING about anyone elses counseling skills or experience. So sorry for hurting your feelings or offending you in any way. I'm thinking you may want to look at why you've reacted the way you reacted.

All I ever wanted to do was help a fellow Doula.

I might just go to lurking, as I'm feeling attacked and that just doesn't sit well with me.

Oh, and I WILL be going for my CLE as an EDUCATOR not a clinician.

Sadly,

Jill

loveslabor · 01-22-2006, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heathenmamaof5

OK, April, now you've offended ME. I was a long time LLL Leader (9years) Jaye also happens to be my BEST FREIND. I made that VERY clear in my first post. I NEVER said ANYTHING about anyone elses counseling skills or experience. So sorry for hurting your feelings or offending you in any way. I'm thinking you may want to look at why you've reacted the way you reacted.

All I ever wanted to do was help a fellow Doula.

I might just go to lurking, as I'm feeling attacked and that just doesn't sit well with me.

Oh, and I WILL be going for my CLE as an EDUCATOR not a clinician.

Sadly,

Jill

Your posts are just as important as anyone else's here and I, for one, would be sad to see you stop posting. Sorry that you are offended and feeling attacked. I'm sure that was not her intent.

Amanda