Hi!  Sending you oodles of sympathy as we have been there too and it sounds just like thrush.  As toosh said the Daktarin should work fairly quickly and if not go back to you're dr.  Just keep applying it and you don't need to wash it off.  If the shooting pains are really bad you may be able to take a pain killer before feeding - sorry!

With my first we really struggled with b/feeding - he couldn't do it, I couldn't do it - had to boost supply, then we had recurring bouts of mastitis topped off by thrush so I really do sympathise!  Hang in there as long as you can - it did get easier and more comfortable and we fed to 21mths.  With number 2 it has been a dream in comparison - so I hope that helps you feel a bit better!

I feel for you as I had this with both my boys at around 3 weeks. The daktarin gel did the trick for me both times - the pain got better within a day & they started to clear up quickly. You must make sure that you apply it after each feed & also keep up with the drops in your bubs mouth. You do not need to wash the daktarin gel off before you feed bub. you need to continue the treatment for at least 5 days after it clears up - both of you. If the daktarin gel is not helping after 2 days I would go and see your local pharmacist, but it should work. The problem can be that you are passing it back and forth between you and bub so make sure you keep up with treatment for both of you. Good luck!

Hi,

From what you have typed I would assume that YES you most likely do have some thrush on and around your nipples but please do not think that this means that you have to stop breastfeeding as this is not the case . .

Pop along to your local Pharmacist and purchase an over the counter cream for thrush. After every feed apply the cream to your nipples . . BUT you MUST make sure to wash ALL the cream off your nipple before each feed!!

Another tip is to purchase some Silicone Nipple Shield to use when breastfeeding until both you and your sons thrush is totally cleared up.

I hope you and your son are feeling better soon . .

Cheers Kellz

Hi,

Oh i so know what your going through. This is my second bub...so kind of been through a few b'feeding issues.

My bub has been on antibiotics for months now...and now we both have thrush. The let down sensation happens before usually..so can be needle like but then eases. the thrush lasts after a feed. I find i get stabbing pain and itching nipples. Mine are also red and getting white bits..the thrush?? I have been using the oral daktarin gel after each feed and when i get too itchy. I also  had mastitis with my first..so also know that pain...arrrggggg. I am going to wait another few days and if it doesn't clear with the gel i will get it checked out. Maybe you should do the same. Best to have it seen to than to leave it. Oh the joys we go through!  If you suspect mastitis again go back to the doc. I got it twice withmy first bub. But got the antibiotics into me before i felt bad.

I wish you well. Keep up the b'feeding it will all calm down soon.

Your son is only 7 weeks, so the pain you are feeling could be your supply adjusting and settling into a more comfortable routine.  I know with all mine I'd get a pain like someone trying to pop my boobs with a pin and it was the milk ducts just doing their stuff.  Ouchy though!

As for the sore nipples.  Try some Marcalan or Lansinoh.  It is a purified lanolin product that you can apply to the nipple in order to prevent and soothe nipple irritations.  Works really well, is non toxic and super natural.  Practically off the sheep's back only without the dirt. I wrote an advice piece about it so will add that under your question.