Nipple Hell (update #2)

babym6705 · May 2014

My nipples are in hell. I have been EBF for 3 wks and my nipples are so sore and sensitive. They hurt so bad. They look raw and red. Is this normal? Does it get better?

Update: Me & baby are getting checked by a dr in about six hours. The pain is excruciating. I will update more after our appt., but in the meantime, BF is so painful I'm in tears. Is it ok to just give him some formula in a bottle until the appt.? Will I lose my supply in just a few hours? & if it is thrush and we get treated this evening how long does it usually take to go away? I don't want to lose my supply or stop BF but I can't take the pain anymore and he is hungry.

Update #2: So me and baby just saw a doctor at Kaisers urgent care. It's like a mini after hours office. Anyways, the doctor said it's not possible to get thrush on your nipples. I wanted to bang my head on the wall. She's a moron. Er. Anyways, I found online this morning to mix an antibiotic cream, an antifungal cream, and hydrocortisone cream together and apply it to the nipples to treat nipple thrush. It has been helping, I'm still in minor pain but bearable. I can't wait to see an LC next week. I also read to rub plain yogurt on the inside of baby's mouth to naturally treat thrush. I'm considering this but nervous. Anyways that my update. Thanks for everyone's help.

babym6705 · May 2014

How long does it take for my nipples to toughen up to this?

I have been using lanolin, but it hurts so bad to just apply it.

babym6705 · May 2014

It does kinda burn. Are there any other symptoms for thrush?

babymama619 · May 2014

From what the LC and nurses and pedi told me thrush hurts like glass in your nipples. There is NO mistaking it. Unless you're in tremendously unbearable pain it's likely not thrush. I agree with making an LC outpatient appointment. At least 1 visit is now covered by insurance.

Pankers · May 2014

Who do you see about this? I'm not from the states originally and get confused about all the providers. Do I see my primary care Dr or my OB? I think I have thrush. My nipples are sore, LO has a poor latch but I just started getting the shooting pains in my breasts. Ouch.

Pankers · May 2014

Thanks @Xan84‌. Actually was at the Pedi last week and they never said anything, I'm sure I had it then. I'll call them to check. Hopefully my OB will sort me out ASAP.

StephBrim24 · May 2014

What helped me heal beautifully is Medela breast shells in between feedings and I put coconut oil (per lactation consultant's advice) on them after feedings. Essentially the oil keeps the tissue soft instead of cracking or scabbing, which hurts more and slows the healing. Soft tissue heals quicker. The shells keep anything from touching the nipples.

babym6705 · May 2014

@Xan84‌ so the thrush cleared up after a few days? I feel like I would be willing to do this a few days but if it's going to be weeks I don't think I can handle it. I really really want to keep BF so I hope this goes away soon.

Sgriff1 · May 2014

I HIGHLY recommend using a nipple shield before stopping BFing! My nipples were literally ripped open and the shield allowed me to continue through it and they healed up completely and no there's no pain what so ever!

LauraMyLove · May 2014

Never had a LC visit and that was my biggest regret! Suffered for 12 weeks in pain but it did eventually go away. I used to leave my nips out of a loosely tied robe, used Mother Love nipple cream (sold at Whole Foods), did salt water soaks, used breast shells and the hydro gel pads too! Good luck, hang in there! Def check in with an LC.

Aliki · May 2014

There are many good links on kellymom.com that discuss thrush, but to summarize some of the ideas:

- Thrush is often overdiagnosed. Most people think they have thrush but do not. this results in overusing antibiotics that then render it ineffective if/when you really do need it

- Thrush will feel like glass shards in your nipple. The pain does not go away after initial latch and continues throughout the nursing.

- Look for white spots inside LO's mouth. Do you spot any?

I highly recommend an LC consultation. A lot of people are not aware of this, but under Obama's Affordable Care Act, all insurance companies must cover LC consults. (Which is awesome! Along with providing free breastpumps to us too!)

See here:

https://depts.washington.edu/waaction/action/n3/a19.html

Want a personalized experience?

Nipple Hell (update #2)

Re: Nipple Hell (update #2)

Choose Another Board

Search Boards