Thrush

We have breastfed for five months with no problems. However, last week Thursday I started having a lot of pain with feedings. As my baby is getting more active, I thought that maybe he was irritating me more.

As the weekend progressed, and I just got more and more sore, I called the lactation consultant at the hospital. Almost in desperation, I told her that I was thinking about giving up breastfeeding. Her reponse impressed me. She told me to come in and she would work with me immediately if we could not work it out over the phone. As we went through my symptoms, she thought we might have thrush. After speaking with the after-hours pediatric nurse, sure enough, we both have thrush. Common symptoms are blister or white spots on the cheeks or inside of the infants lips. For me, I was also blistered and red, and had deep throbbing pain almost constantly.

Now, I am so glad I did not give up on breastfeeding! One thing that is making it much more manageable for me is Lotrimin, oddly enough. Who would have though to use athlete's foot cream?

If you are having pain, or thinking abuot giving up, please give a lactation specialist a call. I am so glad I did!