Strange pain when BF, but just on one side. Help needed please!

[clivesummer]

Hi there. I'm after some advice regarding BF...

Have been EBF DD for 4 months and it's going really well, both enjoying it and no problems - until now. Over the last few days my left nipple is extremely sore.

When DD latches on there is a sharp pain which makes my eyes water! It gets better as she nurses but never quite goes away. Last night after nursing the pain was still there and I had to hold my breast around that area to make it go away. (ouch!)

I understand some people have a pain when latching on but this is a wince inducing pain, only on one side and it's very recent...

I'm confused as it's a sharp bitey pain (but no teeth yet, although she does seem to be teething).
The right one is fine no problems at all.
I can't see any cracks or bleeding.
I think my latch is ok because I've never had a problem till now, and I'm not doing anything different.

Could it be thrush? (DD has had thrush on her tongue and in her nappy in past but it cleared up).

All thoughts / suggestions really appreciated, it's making me want to give up - which would be, I think a real shame. Please help!

[pookamoo]

Hi clive

It could be thrush, it would be such a shame to give up at this stage having done so well so far if it is - it can be sorted.

Try giving a Breastfeeding Helpline a call on 0845 120 2918 (La Leche League) or 0300 330 0771 (nct)

Also, where in the country are you? You may well find it helpful to talk face to face with a Breastfeeding Counsellor at a support group near you.

[pookamoo]

... or it could be a blocked duct - can you feel any hardness around the painful area (ouch!)

[Zra]

Sounds like thrush. Suggest you see your doctor who will probably prescribe a cream to apply and possibly tablets although you should ensure they're ok to take whilst you bf. Make sure you wash off the cream before you bf.

Try eating plenty of yogurt too to help get rid of the thrush, will help your dd too. Yeo valley fruit varieties are yum (if you like fruit!)

Hope you recover soon

[clivesummer]

Thanks pookamoo!

I had a blocked duct before (on the left side funnily enough) and this feels totally different.

I hadn't thought about a BF counsellor, suppose I associated them with the early days of BF ! I'm in Merseyside.

You're right it would be a shame to give up now, and I really don't want to. Was afraid I was being a wuss, (I'm not known for my high pain threshold !!) But it's getting worse.

[clivesummer]

Thanks also Zra!

I googled the symptoms and thrush seemed most similar, will try the yogurts - at the very least they taste mmmm!

[japhrimel]

It could be thrush. If it is, the yogurts (I'm assuming you mean Yakult and the like?) really won't help. You'll need to see your GP asap and I'd take in the BfN leaflet on treating thrush.

Taking probiotics is a good idea but you want a high dose supplement without any sugars (as you need to be reducing sugar intake too ideally). The yogurts are no where near good enough for medicinal use (and if you're healthy and not taking antibiotics you shouldn't need them anyway!).

[pookamoo]

Definitely see if you can speak to or preferably see a bf counsellor - they will be able to help!

How are you doing now?