SS, I am not sure what could be causing your pain, but it is most likely going to be either thrush or a breast infection. The question about whether your EBM would be ok is not a yes/no answer. It is believed that some thrush passes into EBM, but it is in just a small amount that it wouldn't affect an otherwise healthy baby. Thrush is everywhere all the time, we all have it on us, so babies are constantly exposed. It becomes a problem if they (or we) get exposed to enough of it or get run down enough for it to take hold. If you ask enough professionals you will get some saying yes it's fine and other's saying it isn't. It's really your call and your friend's - but remember the anti-infective properties breastmilk has also!