Stabbing breast pains at 6 months - is it thrush?

[elbowz]

Sorry, I know there are several threads on this, but they all seem to be a couple of years old, and it looks like bfn and NHS have withdrawn their advice/leaflets.

I've got a 6 month old. Feeding was a nightmare, a "clamp and grind" latch, but we eventually got it sorted. However, for the past 4 weeks have had agonising stabbing pains in left breast. Comes once or twice a day and lasts for 2-3 hours. Impossible to sleep if it comes at night (galling, as small son is finally getting some sleep!). No signs of thrush on nipple or in son's mouth. No itching or flakiness. Have tried piercing white spot on nipple with disinfected needle (as recommended by bf consultant when I had a blocked nipple duct) - no improvement. Assumed GP would be no help, but finally went after crying in pain from 3am to 6am one night. He said he couldn't diagnose breast pain and it would take 4 weeks for a referral to a breast specialist, as "it can't be that bad if you've had it for 4 weeks".

Almost at end of tether. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Can anyone recommend a recent evidence-based site/leaflet?

Is there another gp or urgent care centre near you? Yours sounds "off" ... several friends have been given thrush treatment by their GP. GPS can't diagnose breast lumps etc but thrush like pain when nursing an infant is a simple swab in my area and common sense solution.

Good plan, maybe I'll try to see a GP on temporary basis when I visit my mum. Thank you.

Have a look on www.kellysmom.com
It gives great advice and support when breastfeeding. If you have a blocked duct(feel around the sore breast until you feel a lumpy/harder part). Massage the area gently whilst you feed. Feed on sore breast(s) as much as possible until empty (breast will feel soft and floppy iyswim). I also found that removing my bra and changing my breastpads often helped. I found massaging the area under warm water in the shower helped relieve the pain too. If the pains continue contact you gp, you may be getting mastitis and could become very unwell. HTH

Are you feeling any better Elbowz?

Hey LYD, thanks for the advice. Unfortunately no lumps, so the massaging doesn't seem to help. Bloody agony today. But saw my mum's GP who took a swab for thrush and am down to see the breast clinic next Monday. Fingers crossed! xx