What's this white spot on my nipple? Could it be causing my pain?
The initial cause of a milk bleb (blister) may be related to a latch issue. It can be very painful during breastfeeding or pumping, and you will notice a white spot on your nipple.
Cause:
A plugged duct that is scabbed over causes the milk bleb. The milk can’t get out and is clogged behind the scab/bleb.
Solutions:
- Soak a cotton ball in olive or coconut oil and put it against your nipple overnight.
- First thing in the morning, pump or hand express (in a warm shower helps). Typically the softened scab will come off, and you can express some of the thicker “clogged” milk out. It may look stringy or like toothpaste. It isn’t harmful to baby if they swallow it while breastfeeding.
- Continue to breastfeed, pump or hand express to keep it open and milk flowing.
- Contact your healthcare provider if the bleb continues to reappear.
It is not recommended to pick at the bleb or try to open it up yourself.