Nipple problem - advice please

[mollycuddles]

Dd2 is 14w and bf was going brilliantly until past few days. Right nipple is now shiny and red raw with a superficial, papercut type crack at the base from about 12 to 6 o'clock. I was prescribed anti-thrush treatment by gp but I'm allergic to fluconazole and dr newman's all purpose nipple ointment. Am going to attend bf support group tomorrow but have to survive until then. Is there an argument for trying nipple shields or expressing from that side to give it a chance to heal. Am very stressed about bf failing if this isn't sorted.

Oh poor you. No real advice although I went through the same (I think I used Lansinoh generally, then a threush cream but assume it contained fluconazole too, but I can't quite remember). It will get sorted, although it may be painful. I used nipple shields for a week or so (I think) with DD1 for the very same reason - you can get some really good skinny ones - although the hv made me feel awful for doing so. There's a possibility (which wasn't the case with my DD) that they then struggle with proper suckling from the nipple, but if it's only on one, it's likely to be okay IMO. Has your DD also been given oral thrush cream? If not, she may be passing it back and forth to you.

Good luck with it all :)

I second both the shields and checking that the baby doesnt have thrush orally. lansinoh is great for sore nipples but ask the hipharmacist for something gentle. no need to stop, youll be fine.