Could this be thrush?

I've been breast feeding my 7 week old twins since coming home from hospital. starting a few days ago my nipples (not areola) started to be sore. I thought maybe some extra nursing sessions and a couple sessions trying to wean DS from a nipple shield may have started it. Sunday night it was the worst, my nipples were feeling 'sunburnt' at the end of the day and hurt during BF sessions and in between sessions. After googling some I found it could be thrush and freaked out. I immediately began eating yogurt with acidophilis, put a mixture of 1Tvinegar/water on my nipples after every session. I also got some OTC Clortrimazole anti-fungal cream to apply twice daily. I am also letting them air out as much as possible. I am still continuing to try to wean DS from the nipple shield and his latch is occasionally painful so that could be making the pain worse.

My nipples don't look any different that normal (other than a little redness) and DD/DS don't have any white spots in their mouth. My nipples felt better Monday but not totally pain free and again this morning they are a little sore in between sessions, but not as bad as they were Sunday. I do not have any pain in my breasts when breast feeding. Should I proactively call my doctor (although not sure which one? OB/ family doctor??) and get something before this could get worse? Thanks.

 

IMO no. Thrush is painful but there is normally white. No matter what they say, I have always had nipple pain (even with correct latches) during the early months. Rubbing breastmilk on them after nursing sessions, putting lanelin on them afterwards as well can all help. IF you do start seeing white in your babies mouths or your nipples, that cannot be rubbed off, then go to the doctor. That said, I am not a doctor but I have dealt with thrush on both me and my daughter and it is worse than pink eye. Good luck! IF the pain does persist, a call or visit to the doctor would probably be warranted.

 

When is the their next well visit with the pediatrician? If it's soon and nothing gets worse, the pediatrician can determine if it's thrush or not. Then either the pediatrician can write a prescription for both you and the babies or you can call your ob/gyn and let them know that the babies have thrush and they can call in a prescription. Might save you from making an extra trip to the doctor. But I'm with Jackie - unless white spots appear in their mouths I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

I think it sounds more like a latch issue due to weaning off the shield than thrush. From what I understand the pain from thrush is deep within the breast not just the nipple. Also, the white spots are a big part of it. Is there an LC that you could see to double check the latch/check for thrush (just to completely rule it out)? In the mean time, make sure you're getting a good deep latch.

 

Actually, in the early stages of thrush there may be no signs in the baby's mouth and the only sign in the mother may be pain in the nipples, particularly if it occurs after a period of pain-free nursing. A burning sensation either during or after breastfeeding is indicative of thrush. If it got better after using the clomitrozole (sp?) after a couple of days then it is probably thrush--that's one of the tests if it's thrush: seeing improvement using an OTC cream.

ETA: APNO can also be used to treat sore nipples from latch problems!

I would see a lactation consultant who will be able to determine if it's thrush or latching problems (either way the LC can help!).

All purpose nipple ointment (APNO) is supposed to be the treatment of choice but many doctors still prescribe nystatin. I've been using nystatin but am seeing the doctor this week to get APNO as I cannot seem to rid myself of the thrush entirely.

We've been battling thrush for over 7 weeks now. Once it's entrenched it's hard to get rid of so I would recommend seeing the LC. Catching it early will make it easier to get rid of.

 

D'oh! That edit was in the wrong spot. Posting from my phone is tricky!

 

Thank you for clarifying - I didn't know that. :thanks:

 

If anyone is hesitant about using OTC stuff on their nipples/babies mouths, gentian violet is supposed to work wonders for thrush (as long as you don't mind blue nipples ).

 

I had 5 weeks of horrible (with no visual sign on me or babies) pain. In the end had to take oral anti fungal meds for 2 weeks! Google dr jack Newman and follow his candida protocol. I was hesitant to use gentian violet but wished I had used it first.

 

I haven't been able to find gentian violet or I would've used it long ago! I'm using grapefruit seed extract both orally and topically right now. The babies and I also did two weeks of diflucan and I feel we have almost kicked but not quite. Right now I'll just be happy to keep it at bay as nursing is no longer painful (but it still burns a little afterwards).

Definitely recommend Newman's candida protocol as well.

 

baby have any signs of diaper rash? Has he been fussy while nursing? Is it both breast or just one?
I saw your other post about the super strong suck and the now blood blister on your nipple. Do you have an IBCLC nearby? How about a craniosacral therapist??? To me it sounds like he would benefit greatly!