Is This Thrush?

futuremrsmcnichols

So last week I was having issues with recurrent clogged ducts. I EP, so I was adding extra pumping sessions in and my nipples were red and sore. I got those Soothies gel pads for comfort, I used them while in the hospital and also bought some to use during the first week or so, but haven't used them since.

Either Thursday or Friday last week I noticed that my nipples felt itchy, but thought it was because they were dry and cracked from pumpimg. Yesterday I noticed that LO had a diaper rash consistent with a yeast-type of rash. I also noted some white flaky stuff on my nipples that I was writing off as dry skin. My nipples are itchy, but not bad, pink in color, but nothing unusual. LO does not have any other symptoms (oral thrush, discharge).

I keep thinking that wearing those gel pads gave me a yeast infection on my nips... Last week we were out and about in the 90+degree weather, so it was a perfect breeding ground for yeast... the gel pads kept them nice and moist, it was dark and warm, and any time I had leaky boobs, the sugar from the milk just added to the perfect environment.

Of course, its a holiday and no doctors offices are in. I remember when DD#1 had a yeast diaper rash, we used Lotrimin cream and it healed right away. From what I have read, topical creams are the first line of treatment for thrush on the nipples, and it is ok to feed baby with this cream on the nipples. Should I start this treatment right now or wait for a doctor's opinion? If anyone has had experience with this, what treatment did you have?

I know it should still be ok to pump and feed my milk to LO because EBF moms are still able to breast feed with thrush, although I read that it is really painful, but I am not in any pain, and minimal discomfort at best. I'd hate to start a treatment for yeast and have it be only a case of dry, cracked nipples. I have been putting Lansinoh nipple cream on, and they seem to be getting better, but still itch.

Any suggestions?

 

cros8380

I can't say whether or not it's thrush although I feel like I should considering how many times we've had it...but if it is, there isn't anything you can do overnight to help it. Just keep the area clean (you can wipe your nipples with vinegar after each pumping session) and of course, sanitize the pump parts between each session and call your dr tomorrow for an appointment! I hope it's not thrush, it's a pain in the butt to get rid of!