Tongue Thrush

Problem with sore nipples, possible yeast infection?

I have been breastfeeding for 10 weeks now and had a rough start. My daugher was tongue tied and I ended up with cracked nipples the day she was born. Now my nipples are still sore and it feels as though they never really healed to begin with even though I used Lanolin in the beginning. By now I was thinking that it may be a yeast infection/thrush and I went to see my doc and she said it looks like they are just sore. I also went to see a lactation consultant to take care of possible latch on problems and she said the baby latches on perfectly and she said it looks like yeast. I tried Nystatin and it didn't work, now they told me to buy an anti-fungus creme and it makes my nipples burn like hell. I don't know what to do anymore! Anybody ever have this kind of problem? Any suggestions and thoughts are much appreciated!

Public Comments

1. I did have this problem. Look for white patches in your baby's mouth. The thrush can be passed back and forth so easily - even if you have it and cure it on yourself, she might have it and pass it back to you. Continue with the Nystatin, and maybe try nipple shields for a while. This lasted for me for about 2 or 3 weeks. Don't expect an immediate cure. But believe me, it gets better! Good luck!
2. gentian violet worked for me... stains everyting, so be ready to stay home w/ ugly house clothes on so you don't ruin anything nice. make sure you're treating your baby too... gentian violet is fine to put in her mouth, just dip a qtip and "paint" her mouth w/ it - it's totally safe. here's some other options to help treat you both: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/thrush/thrush-resources.html#treatments
3. I had it on my nipples and it ended up in my mouth too and my son had it in his mouth. We kept each other infected until we both got treatment at the same time. I used a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water and applied it with a cottonball to my nipples every few hours and swished it in my mouth 3x per day until I got the Nystatin which ended up clearing us both up. The vinegar solution did help soothe the pain and soreness though.
4. Try the lansinoh cream for nursing moms. If it is yeast both you and the baby need to be treated. They usually use a prescription of liquid nystatin for the baby and tell you to keep using the antifungal but make sure you wash it off before feedings. If your breast are leaking make sure you change the nursing pads often if they are damp and in contact with your nipples it will promote yeast growth.