Rant about BF, mastitus, thush and GPs!

[Summerhols]

Sorry this is a self indulgent rant post. My DD is 3 weeks old and I am desperately trying to breastfeed but finding it really difficult.

First of I had mastitus due to bad latch and cracked nipples. This has cleared up with antibs and seeing the BF counsellor twice and HV (who is also a BF counsellor) who have changed my latch and said it was better.

BUT I am still in pain, my breasts constantly hurt and I can not stand anything against them apart from bra and pad, even then I get stabbing pain. I was woken up last night with stabbing pain in my breast and having to take paracetimal to deal with this.

So I thought possibly I have thrush - as every time I have antibs I get thrush down below so figure it may have the same effect on my breasts. So I went to see GP today who totally dismissed me and did not even want to look at my DD when I suggested that she be examined as I had read that both of us can get it. She said that my latch will still be wrong even though I told her that I had been told 3 times it was OK.

She has prescriped Nystatin drops to rub on to my nipples, but nothing for DD. Which goes against everything that I have read i.e. that we both have to be treated. I feel that she totally fobbed me off and was not convinced that I had thrush.

Perhaps I don't but if so WHY AM I STILL IN PAIN????

Sorry not expecting anwsers just feeling so dishartened by BF.

GPs can be a bit useless sometimes IME. Can you get the HV or midwife to have a look? Or see a different GP?

Sounds like thrush or possibly another blocked duct. Often mastitis can leave scarring in the milk ducts which can make them more prone to blocking. Have you tried massaging the breast(s) in the bath or warm shower to move any possible blockages? Sometimes this helps.
RE thrush yes ideally both should be treated, even if your DD doesn't show obvious symptoms- definitely get onto your HV- she'll probably be in a better position with more experience to make a correct diagnosis anyhow.

I really recommend getting some of these for when you are in pain: breast soothers
I have found them very useful when enduring mastitis, blocked ducts or engorgement.

Also some breast shells can help with healing nipples and relieve engorgement which can make the breasts more sore- see these

Finally take a look at the kellymom website- lots of info on recovering from mastitis/cracked nips etc. which I've found v helpful over the years: Kellymom

Really feel for you having had lots of similar probs with each DC b'feeding- but with good support (perhaps get Bfing counsellor out again to double check everything) you will find it gets easier- I promise xx

Share the info you have about thrush with the GP - you can print out the info from www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk so he knows you are not making it up.

Thanks ladies. well I spoke to HV again and she was at GP. When I told her what symptoms are and what GP had perscribed she told me to go back to GPs with the info from BFN. So I'm doing that on Monday, which means another weekend of pain But I am determined to get through this!