Raynaud's phenomenon of the nipple: Ensuring timely diagnosis

Breast milk is the perfect first food for infants, yet many women face challenges that prematurely discontinue their breastfeeding. Nipple pain is the second most common reason women stop breastfeeding. As primary care providers, nurse practitioners (NPs) are in the ideal position to support women both prenatally and postpartum. To help these patients, the NP must recognize conditions affecting nursing mothers early, as well as provide interventions and referrals in a timely fashion. A common but frequently overlooked condition is Raynaud's phenomenon of the nipple (RPN), a vasospastic disorder that causes moderate to severe nipple pain and is often misdiagnosed. The purpose of this article is to address a gap in the literature regarding this phenomenon, prevent missed diagnoses of RPN, and to promote higher rates of successful breastfeeding.