Infection, Thrush or Something Else...

[Ladybuggz]

Hey Ladies,
The past two days my right nipple has become incredibly (toe curling) painful when my LO feeds. The whole breast feels tender, almost bruised. The nipple in particular is swollen on one side (where there's a small crack), it feels like a stabbing burning pain. I worried that this might be the beginning of Mastitis or some infection as recently, my LO bit that nipple (he has eight teeth). I went to my GP and she's prescribed me an antibiotic as, although the breast is not red, it's slightly pinker in colour and also thought that this may be an early case of Mastitis.

I guess I'm just a little concerned that this actually might be thrush. My LO has no visible signs and my other breast is fine. Is there any way to tell one way or the other? The GP said it still might be thrush but just to see if the antibiotics help.

Anyone else experience something similar? Thanks for reading!

 

[SucreK]

I just got over thrush. It is incredibly painful and a real PITA. Antibiotics makes it much worse. Try to get a prescription for Diflucan and APNO (all-purpose nipple ointment)--it's an anti-fungal/anti-bacterial/anti-viral cream that will knock EVERYTHING out. You'll have to get it from a compounding pharmacy, but it's worth it. Wear nipple sheilds in your bra and change them often. Wash then boil bottles, pacifiers, etc. Wash all toys in hot, soapy water. Wash baby's clothes/bath towels/etc. every night. And make sure baby gets treated, even if he isn't symptomatic (thrush can also present as a nasty diaper rash that won't go away). I knew my thrush wasn't mastitis (which I've also had!) because I didn't feel like I had the flu. Mastitis in unmistakeable in that way (extreme fatigue, chills, high fever, etc.). I hope this helps!

 

[SucreK]

Oh, and drink Kefir/eat Greek yogurt! And try to minimize white flour and sugar (I wish you better luck in that endeavor than I had!).

 

[Maxy1]

If it was thrush, it would most likely appear in your LO's mouth AND on both breasts as your LO would transfer it from one nipple to the other.

It is possible to have an infection in the nipple without affecting the rest of the breast until it is full blown. Massage massage massage, feed often, take probiotics and if you are anxious about feeding you can take some ibuprofen about 20 mins before feeding. Start on that breast.

Check the condition of your nipple immediately after feeding to make sure its not vasospasm - presents similar to thrush but without your LO getting it and not necessarily in both breasts. If your nipple is blanched (flat shape and a strange colour usually red/purple/blue or white) then you likely have vasospasm which is a different treatment all together and doesn't require ABs

 

[beagleowner]

I had mastitis recently and had the same breast soreness and stabbing pain when she nursed. Like you, my breast was pink, not red. I did have systemic symptoms as well, though (fever, body aches, etc). Do you have any of those?