Please give advice, I don't trust my doctor.

[bytheMoonlight]

I have sore patches on my nipples, which look like raw skin.

The doctor I saw gave me Fucidin cream but when I asked if it was safe to use when breastfeeding he told me the risk was up to me He said some people would use it, some wouldn't, he then said to maybe use it less than recomended, he said I should use it every day but as I am breastfeeding I should use it maybe once, twice or three times a week

I now have the cream but after reading the leaflet it says to seek advice from the doctor before using it when breastfeeding - not something I am able to do.

So what do I do? My nipples need treatment but I can't use this cream if it will affect my milk. What shall I do?

How old is your baby?

If no one on here knows you can contact the breastfeeding network to ask?

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/

My inclination would be to use it immediately after a feed and watch nipples before next feed, because you do need them to get better. I would want to use it as often as the instructions because using it less often might mean it just wouldn't get better.

FWIW doctors generally err on side of caution and if it really wasn't ok to use he wouldn't have given it to you.

sorry meant wash nipples before next feed.

Thank you for that link MumNWLondon, it is safe and gives the same advice you said re. using after a feed.

Why do you need fucidin cream? Did he say there was an infection? Is there pus / redness / pain? Have you tried vaseline to keep them supple?
Why are they raw? Is the latch OK, does he think its thrush?
I can't see a reason for using the cream - can you ring them and ask him what it's for? Could you use a nipple shield or express for a few feeds to give them a rest and a chance to heal?

Fucidic acid is something my 4 wk old son was able to use (on his skin) & has used since - it's to treat bacterial infections. Presumably the skin on your nipples is infected? If so, you need to use it (& maybe seek further advice as to how) as it's unlikely the infection will clear up if you're constantly breastfeeding.

BUT if there is no infection, then like gummy I'd question whether you'd be better off using a barrier cream to protect the skin during feeds, & soothe it afterwards.

In any case, I'd recommend liberal use of a barrier cream (lanolin based, safe for baby), just to help your skin recover.

If your GP id s bit rubbish, I have found the pharmacist to be really useful at times like this. Good luck.

Is it Fucibet? Or does it just contain fucidic acid?

I'm using it on my skin atm, but not on the nipple area. If I was then I'd clean it off before feeding because Fucibet contains a steroid too. Just the fucidic stuff wouldn't bother me as much, it's just an antibacterial.