Sore nipples - first time in 18 months - could this be thrush?

[treacletart]

Had very sore cracked nipples plus thrush establishing breastfeeding with both DS (five and a half years ago) and with DD (18 months). All's been very happy since then and I'm now breastfeeding her an average of say 3 shortish feeds a day (if I'm not at work) and quite a bit at night (we co-sleep). Over the past few days I've noticed my nipples getting really sore after feeds. I've also noticed redness, some dryness and sometimes tiny blanched patches. I haven't (yet) had the deep stabby pains in my breast I had when I previously had thrush. I've checked and double checked dd's mouth/tongue but can't see any clouding or white spots. Waddyareckon? Could this be thrush? DD had what I think was thrush in her nappy area a couple of weeks ago - could there be a connection? If it is thrush, do you think I should slap some Canestan cream on them before making appt with Gp? I'd like to nip (no pun intended) this in the bud as soon as possible - Any advice gratefully received

bump

I think thrush sounds possible for sure. Those tiny blistery blanched patches coupled with the redness sounds typical. If you have some cream I would probably try it. The nappy area a couple of weeks ago could certainly be connected. Do you take probiotics?
A sudden onset of nipple soreness at this age could also suggest pregnancy but it sounds like you are seeing thrush symptoms on your nipples.

Thanks! No definitely NOT pregnant! I'll whap some canestan on them them and see if they improve and if not, get me to a gp for the full kit. Would probiotics help too?

I think probiotics (i.e. refridgerated lacto acidophilus from a health food shop or even just some live natural yogurt for you and baby) is a good plan. The friendly bacteria are the natural enemy of thrush and it will help your baby's digestive system too whether he receives them directly or not.

sometimes babies get a little lazy at that age, and their 'latching standards' slip a bit - my DS has been chewing on my nipples at night and bloody hec are they sore today!