Morning Maggie; I have heard of this quite often; So I googled it and here is some info on what can you could do. Sounds like your doing the right thing but it might just be possible it you were to keep those in your Bra for several weeks or more. It could help you as you well see 22% of woman suffer from this condition. Here is that info for you.(((Raynaud's of the nipple most commonly affects breastfeeding women, with onset typically occurring sometime in the first month, or during the first winter of breastfeeding. However, Raynaud's also occurs in pregnant women, and may also affect women who have never been pregnant. It is more common in cold climates, and can be hereditary. Women who have Raynaud's of the fingers and toes will often develop Raynaud's of the nipple when they start to breastfeed. Raynaud's occurs in up to 22% of women (Olsen and Nielson, 1978).
If the vasospasms are due to the cold only the term Raynaud's disease is used, and if they are secondary to another condition then the term Raynaud's phenomenon is used. If the vasospasms are due to poor latch only then the condition is not Raynaud's, but is just described as nipple vasospasm or blanching.
Management of Raynaud's
Raynaud's disease is a condition that is typically managed, not cured. I've listed all sensible management options that I am aware of below. No single option will work for every woman. Many women will use a range of management options, with methods used changing with the season, how badly they are being affected, pregnancy, and breastfeeding of a newborn or an older child.
The number of supplements and medications suggested to help with Raynaud's is significant, and I've only included the options that studies have shown to work for some women, or are widely accepted to help some women. Even this reduced list is extensive, mothers should try options that they consider appropriate for themselves, and not everything at once. All women should discuss all medical, herbal, and supplement management options with their health provider first.
Keeping Warm
To prevent vasospasms occurring, dress warmly, especially when going outside in winter. Breastwarmers, which insulate the breast, or woollen breastpads can be used to keep the breasts warm.
Never allow the nipples to air dry. The evaporation of milk and saliva causes the nipple to quickly cool, causing vasospasm. As soon as the baby comes off the breast the breast should be covered. If the baby is repeatedly coming off, then just covering the nipple with your hand will suffice. If feeding is finished then cover the breast up immediately. Ensure that all bras and breastpads have either a wool or synthetic fabric against the skin - cotton must be avoided, as it feels cold when wet. If you have cotton bras then use breastpads with a synthetic or wool liner. I note that during vasospasm phases some women find their nipples become sensitive to some fabrics such as wool, in this case synthetic, stay-dry, fabrics, such as microfibre should be used against the skin. Breastpads should be changed as soon as they become wet. Lanolin barrier cream or olive oil can help stop the nipple from air-drying, the cream or oil should be warmed in your hands before being applied.
When vasospasm occurs, repeatedly squeezing the nipple will help blood flow back into this area. Doing this immediately will limit damage to the nipple caused by a lack of blood, and will improve recovery times. Gently squeezing the nipple to ensure it is not constricted prior to latching will help ensure that secondary damage to the nipple does not occur. The Nbci website recommends massage of the chest muscles, these are below the collar bone and above the breast.If the nipple is constricted then the breast should be warmed before the baby is latched on.
For serious vasospasm problems increased heat can be provided from heated wheat packs or oxidising packs. Large wheat packs keep warm for longer, however smaller, shaped, wheat packs will stay in place better. Oxidising packs provide up to eight hours of heat. If these products are not available, then a sock filled with rice and heated in the microwave, or a hot wet flannel in a zip lock bag can provide some help. Great care needs to be taken in using any heat source near babies or while sleeping. Heat sources should be encapsulated to ensure they are well insulated from both mother and baby's skin to prevent burns, and the disposable hand warmer
Anyway there is a lot of information on this but not a real cure. just google and see all the articles this one was from summer bright web site I believe.
