Have had one of those for 4 weeks now. That's what I'm using and it's taking half an hour. But that was when I was expressing only, not feeding too. I guess that gives me an indication of how long DD should be on the boob right?
Anyway, LC was fantastic! WAY better than KEMH ones who everyone has hyped up as saints. From this appointment we were able to find:
- DD DOES suck inefficiently so we have some exercises to do with her during 'play'
- I didn't have her in a correct position, though attachment is fine
- my pain IS thrush and keep going with Kenacomb for me and Nilstat for DD but I can also get some very expensive wonder tablet for me too
- DD has reflux we were given treatment suggestions so will pursue those
It's going to be a hard road ahead putting these things in place, so hopefully it works!
Ok great to hear you've made progress! Can I please urge you to use the cream for two weeks after the symptoms have gone. When ds and I first had thrush I didn't follow a proper treatment plan and almost one year on I still have it! Kenacomb is great, but you may need an oral treatment too, such as nilstatin or diflucan (or both).
I would also suggest you cut out all sugar, fruit and alcohol from your diet, and try to rest as much as possible. Zinc and magnesium have also shown to help, and in fact zinc has been a miracle treatment for me.
Good luck with it all. Breastfeeding is so rewarding, but some of us have a rough trot of it!
Hi Phebee,
I am also dealing with nipple thrush. I took 3 Diflucon tablets over 6 days. Is that what you are doing? I am also using Kenacomb. Unfortunately, I stopped using the Kenacomb the first day that I finally had pain free feeding. Then the thrush flared up again. So I second Arcadia's suggestion to keep using for a while after symptoms disappear. I only have it in one breast. The Diflucon seemed to help but I think it was the Kenacomb that made the most difference. My LC told me to put on a small amount so that it only glistens on the nipple. I don't wash it off because I put it on after a feed and there is usually a 4 hour gap before I feed on that side again.
I was thinking of going on an anti-Candida diet but a friend who is a Naturopath (and ABA counsellor) told me that it is too restrictive when bf. She told me anti-Candida diets are designed for people who have been unwell on a long term basis with systemic candida.
I have decided to only restrict my consumption of sugar, but not fruit. And I don't drink alcohol anyway while bf a young baby.
Big hugs, I know how awful it is. I have shed many tears. But once the Kenacomb kicks in, you won't know yourself!
Still hasn't done anything the Diflucan got rid of the shooting pains in my breast, but my nipples are still red and sore. What's worse is DD keeps fidgeting on them and coming off and on. I feel like they're never going to heal
I'm sorry to hear that Are you still using Kenacomb? I was told to put it on 3 times a day. I still have nipple pain but it is bearable. My DS has tongue tie so I know that causes some of my pain too. For nipple thrush, I was also told to wash my nipples in a solution of bicarb soda and water - 2 teaspoons bicarb to 2 cups lukewarm water.
I have also heard that you can do the Diflucon treatment again but I have not felt the need to do that. My LC also gave me a nipple shield (I haven't used it). Did your LC discuss this with you?
Yes I second madB, if the thrush treatment plan isn't helping, it's probably because of that other bacteria. Even at my worst I found thrush treatment the only thing to help. My problem is I'm great while on hard core anti fungals, but as soon as I stop taking them or using cream, it's all back again...so my immune system can't kick the candida.
Fwiw the anticandida diet is very restrictive and I've had to modify it for breastfeeding (I eat spelt and basmati rice and lots of veggies and meat).
I would either look at stronger thrush treatment like oral nilstatin and diflucan (I had to take both together as per the royal women's hospital website) or I would be looking at different antibacterial treatments.
What about tea tree oil based creams? I just saw one in price line that is ant bacterial and anti fungal and is created from tea tree oil.
The bicarbonate soda bathing also works well. You can alternate with vinegar bathing too.
Ooh thanks, I'll try the bicarbonate solution first and see how that goes. Diet is a last resort since mine is so ridiculously restricted anyway. I am using a nipple shield now, but I did at the beginning then quit after a day cause they were so annoying. But I'm back on it now - or its back on me, rather :P Kenacomb has been at least 3 times a day, often more as I do it after every feed. The Diflucan was only one tablet... was I supposed to have 3?
if you have that bacteria you need to treat it - and yes you really won the jackpot for rare and tricky nipple problems. Very very often people go down the path of long and exhausting treatments for thrush and they don't resolve......because it's NOT THRUSH. It's a bacterial infection. Your LC and dr are on the right track. Kennacomb is the go - but there is always plan B which may involve heavier duty antibiotics. But you can still breastfeed. So, don't tie yourself in knots with your diet or thrush treatments - they won't cut it. Use the kennacomb and if that doesn't work go back to the doctor. I also suggest you speak to Rodney Whyte at the Monash Medical Centre drug info line (some - one will provide the number) he is a font of knowledge and is happy to speak to mums
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we were given treatment suggestions so will pursue those
hope her reflux starts to ease off very soon, must be hard to see her so uncomfortable
thanks!
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