Trush- already?? HELP PLS

[showmethemummy]

Am attempting to bf dd3, and would so much like for it to work this time.

She was born 16/01, so we're about 5 days in to things. I can definitely feel my milk starting to come in.

My problem is that I have really painful feeding sessions ( pls don't stop reading yet!). I know that for a lot of women initial discomfort while establishing bf is common. However the pain feels very sharp and is inside my breasts, throughout feeding and regardless of how well she's latched [i am obsessive about good latching]. the intensity of it makes me feel shaky.

I developed thrush (in boobs ) with dd2 (i think i got it from her as til then had never had thrush before in my life. I had two bouts of vaginal thrush during this pregnancy.

Could i already be having a bout? Does the baby definitely have it too? (her tongue looks suspiciously white)

Finally what to do if I already have it???

Advice really gratefully received

Firstly, well done for persisting despite the discomfort. When I had thrush, it felt like string coated with broken glass being pulled out from my breasts each feed, Really horrible.

You can take paracetamol to help take the edge off until you can get to the GP. Canasten cream applied directly to the nipples will relieve the pain too, and may be all you need - but you have to wash it off between feeds. You can get it over the counter. Your LO will need to be treated, too. Daktarin oral gel is available over the counter - you may struggle to get it if you say it is for your baby because it isn't supposed to be used till after 4 months - used to be licenced from birth, but is now considered a 'choking hazard' - mine were fine with it - obviously you meed to make sure you smear it in their mouth rather than put great lumps in. You can smear it on your nipples and they get it when they feed too. Nystatin also works for babies, but it took me awhile to realise it works best if you smear it around their mouth with a finger, rather than just give them the dose, which they just swallow (all the above remedies work through contact).

Have a read of [http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/pdfs/BfN_Thrush_leaflet_Feb_2009.pdf this]] which is the guidelines for GPs, get clued up and take it along to your GP. They are often clueless about nipple thrush. The above lotions and potions worked for me and my twins, but you may need fluclonazole (see leaflet) if it is in your breast ducts. Be persistent and don't be fobbed off!

Best of luck!

Link again here

thank you very much for this! today i'm a bit about symptoms, posibly need o persevere on imroving latch. finding it really tricky tho. I'm a relatively small woman (1.52m or about 5'1) who seem to produce relatively big babies. this one is smallest at 3.7kg

makes for much faffing with pillows etc.! feeds are taking about an hour. exactly same as with other two. sigh.

thanks again.. further pointers welcome, if you have a chance!

sorry one handed typing typos

Feeding pillow! I have found the widgey pillow brill - borrowed it for free from our local toy library. Or some people find one of those 'v' pillows good.

And Lansinoh! Apply after each feed if you have sore or cracked nipples. Wear pads as it does stain clothes. You can get it on Amazon so no need to leave the house!

Continue to keep a close eye on that latch - pop DD off and start again if she hasn't got a really big mouthful.

Feeds will get quicker! Meanwhile, if you can, put your feet up, drink tea and eat cake while feeding.

Keep us posted!