When a nipple turns white after pumping, known as nipple blanching, it indicates a temporary disruption in blood flow. This common occurrence presents as the nipple appearing pale or white. While it often resolves on its own, understanding its causes and solutions can help.
The Physiology of Nipple Blanching
Nipple blanching occurs due to vasoconstriction, a process where small blood vessels within the nipple constrict. This narrowing reduces or temporarily cuts off blood flow, leading to the pale or white appearance.
The temporary lack of blood supply means the nipple isn’t receiving its usual warmth and oxygen. As blood flow returns, the nipple regains its normal color, often accompanied by a burning or throbbing pain.
Key Causes of Nipple Whiteness
Several factors can contribute to nipple blanching after pumping. Identifying the specific cause is important for effective management.
Vasospasm, or Raynaud’s phenomenon of the nipple, is a common cause. This involves blood vessel tightening in response to cold, pressure, or irritation. Reduced blood flow turns the nipple white, often followed by painful burning or throbbing as circulation resumes.
Poor breast pump flange fit or excessive suction settings are common causes. A flange that is too small compresses the nipple and restricts blood flow. One that is too large can pull in too much areolar tissue, also impeding circulation. Signs of an ill-fitting flange include nipple rubbing, pain during pumping, or the nipple appearing misshapen, flattened, or with a white ring at its base after pumping.
A yeast infection (thrush) can also irritate the nipple and contribute to blanching. This fungal infection, caused by Candida albicans, inflames nipple tissue, affecting blood flow. Symptoms include intense itching, burning pain, or shiny, flaky, red skin on the nipple or areola.
Other forms of irritation or trauma can also play a role. Vigorous pumping, friction from clothing, or a shallow latch (if breastfeeding) can cause temporary blanching. Any sustained pressure or irritation impeding normal blood flow can result in this white appearance.
Practical Solutions and Prevention
Addressing nipple blanching often involves simple adjustments and self-care. Applying warmth immediately after pumping can help reverse vasospasm by promoting blood flow. This can be achieved with warm compresses, a warm hand, or a breast warmer.
For pumping issues, ensure the breast pump flange is the correct size. The nipple should move freely within the tunnel without rubbing or excessive areola pulling. Gradually increasing suction levels can also prevent unnecessary compression and trauma.
Maintaining nipple comfort and hygiene is beneficial. Wearing supportive, non-constricting clothing and cleaning pump parts thoroughly reduces irritation and infection risk. If breastfeeding, optimizing the baby’s latch ensures efficient milk removal without undue nipple stress.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
While many cases of nipple blanching respond to self-care, consult a healthcare provider if pain is severe, persistent, or worsens.
Signs of infection, such as fever, pus, red streaks on the breast, or severe nipple cracking, warrant immediate medical attention. If thrush symptoms like intense itching or flaky skin don’t improve with care or recur frequently, seek medical evaluation.
Consult a healthcare provider if nipple blanching impacts milk supply or comfortable breastfeeding/pumping. If self-care measures don’t alleviate the problem within a reasonable timeframe, professional guidance can identify underlying issues and suggest further treatment.