Advice pls - Nipple pain not getting any better

Ok, well I've really been struggling feeding DD (now nearly 9 m.o) on the LHS for the last few weeks. I'm yelping when DD starts feeding and even more when she fusses or tugs. I've been scrupulous with attachment but only sometimes achieve a degree of comfort for part of the feed (never the whole feed).

It has been quite red and aggravated, but no other signs of cracks/discharge. I've wondered if it's thrush and treated half-heartedly with Daktarin - which makes it itchy - But haven't really had much improvement. No signs of thrush in DD's mouth or on the other nipple.

Am I better off going to the GP - since last time I reported a problem she didn't even examine me (??!!) or finding a LC...Can LCs diagnose things like thrush/vasospasm or does a doctor have to do this?

If it is deemed to be thrush, are there any other treatments besides Daktarin? It's really quite irritating in itself.

I just really want some relief, I'm avoiding feeding DD on that side which isn't good.

It could well be thrush. I had mine diagnosed by a GP although I suspected that was what it was as attaching/feeing etc hurt like anything and my attachment was fine. The pain also continued long after DD came off. I had a shiny red mark around each nipple, but no other visible signs. DD didn't have any signs either but was treated with Nilstat. i would go to the GP. I used daktarin for 7 days but after about 24 hrs the pain really eased. I applied it after every feed and wiped it off before the next feed. You should get other creams if u have an allergy etc to Daktarin. An LC could diagnose it but you may need a prescription for stuff so may as well go to a GP to start with. The Nilstat was on prescription.

You can get Nilstat drops over the counter (I did for DS). But, I've heard thrush is a really commonly over-diagnosed problem (in fact, I don't think I had it - I gave up on the thrush treatment after a week or so with no difference). Personally, I would check out a LC rather than your GP - unless your GP is a breastfeeding expert (which is unlikely). If you do need prescription meds, you can always go to your GP second.

I don't have any advice but I hope it clears up soon for you hun.

It sounds like thrush. Get nilstat. I used it. It works good. You can also use a nipple sheild for a day or two to give that side a bit of a break. I had cracks & used them for a day or two & haven't had to use them since.
An LC told me it sounded like thrush over the phone. They are excellent. Thay really know what they are talking about coz it's all they do. Go see one. They are amazing people!! I am 2 hours from mine & the ech nurse rang her for me. Thats why it was done over the phone.
Good luck.

Thanks everyone!

I have nilstat drops already - how do you apply them and how often?? I'm getting desperate and will try this today even tho I'm booked to see the dr tomorrow.

I put a couple drops onto my nipple before a feed every 4 or 5 hours through the day. Didn't worry at night.
It's better this way coz if DD has thrush in her mouth then it will clear her up too. It is supposed to be held in the mouth for a bit before swallowed, but babies can't really do this, so if it is on the nipple it doesn't get swallowed straight away.
Hope it helps.

Thanks Skye, will put some on right NOW! Still not sure if its even thrush but worth a try anyway.

I would just apply it before and after every feed. Watch it on clothes though- the yellow stains. I remember my nipples were itchy too, but they were before using the daktarin so for me, it wasn't the daktarin that was making them itch, but the thrush!

Hi,

It sounds like you have some sort of infection - they can be hard to diagnose. Go and see your dr. Many mums find something like kennacomb creme helps.

Regards
Barb

Thanks very much, for that. I take it Kenacomb (or similar) has an antifungal as well as an antibiotic to cover all bases since the dr may not know exactly what the problem is?

BTW, I belatedly discovered Bjrose and Deidre that putting the Nilstat on without it being before a feed glues your boob to your breastpad! Silly me. OW! :lol:

lol at the 'glue' MD!!!! i hope you feel better soon hon.

Ooh...yeah. Sorry about that. I completely forgot. Not really helpful for the pain already, huh. When you put it on did it sting?? Mine did the first few times & I think that was coz I was cracked - Just so you know.

No it didn't really sting going on...I found the Daktarin more irritating than the Nilstat!

Yes, that's the one!
Barb

md how is it feeling today? what did dr say?

Well it got worse before it got better! I saw the dr on Tues night and she gave me a script for ABs...it had developed a blood blister by then, and proceeded to bleed on Wed (still agony to feed). By yesterday my whole breast was really sore and I was feeling fluey too but the ABs obviously finally kicked in and today it's feeling much better, the nipple pain is significantly better too and it's visibly less red and looking better. Phew!

That's good news that it's getting better MD.

Thanks, Manta. Yes, I'm not gritting my teeth at the thought of feeding anymore! :)

Glad to hear it's clearing up MD :)

Sorry to take over the thread but I thought rather than create a new one perhaps I could just post here?
I get really sharp stabbing pains in my breast occasionally - not really in the nipple but the whole boob. It's not constant, only hurts when feeding sometimes but the stabbing is excruciating. Not red or irritated looking either. I know it's not thrush or mastitis; any suggestions (apart from seeing the doctor, as i have that planned already!)

AJ, how do you know it's not thrush? I have heard ppl saying the stabbing sensation is the single most telltale sign for thrush? (Just hearsay, though).

Well that's what i thought originally but it's only one side and ds doesn't appear to have it.
Ah well ill just wait until my appointment