How can you tell whether it's thrush or dry, cracked nipples?

[flippingstupidnickname]

Hi all,

I have been breastfeeding my 5 week old baby and am getting very sore on one side in particular. His latch is good so I'm sure it's not that...

I thought at first that it was thrush as I had all the symptoms (burning pain in between feeds, white flecks on nipple and pink tips). In addition my son has very yeasty smelling breath after a feed which first made me suspicious.

I'm now beginning to wonder though if my nipple is in fact just dry and cracked as opposed to having thrush. My reasons for doubt are that the cream the pharmasist gave me didn't seem to help at all and my baby definitely doesn't have any thrush in his mouth. I've had symptoms for over a week now. The white flecks on my nipple could just be cracked skin...

How do you tell what's causing the discomfort? I don't know whether I should be slathering on the Lansinoh or leaving my boobs to dry!

Never leave your breasts to dry, that is old advice and not a good idea at all. Warm and moist (!) is the best.
Thrush on the breast/nipple is normally accompanied by a very 'deep' pain in the breast after feeding and sometimes during.
I would suggest either seeing your GP - if they are helpful and not likely to advise you to stop BF. Or speak to the hospital where your delivered, they should have a lactation consultant that you can see to check your latch. Believe it or not, sometimes a small tweak to your hold can make all the difference.
Well done for carrying on when it's painful.

If it is a horrid burning pain that sarts on latch and continues until even after the feed, it is likely to be thrush. YOu probably need more than cream and would go do docs as suggested. Even if baby shows no sign then you can still both be affected.

I sympathise - thrush is awful.