about to give up breastfeeding...I gave birth 2 weeks ago but have thrush!

[mamanature]

Please help me with your experiences!! I got thrush with my first but it went away very quickly, ive had thrush for about a week now and im so close to giving up breastfeeding.. my nipples are so painful, I hate feeding time, my partner says they look infected thats how red and f'd up they are, he actually thinks I should stop b/f. My daughter doesnt seem to have symptoms, shes being treated and my doc gave me daktarin oral gel to apply to my nipples. The pain is soooo frign painful!  Any advice on how to get rid of this??? Or even ease the pain?? I really don't want to formula feed just yet.

[texanmommyof2]

Try going to see a lactation consultant.  Our hospital provided free ones. I had issues breast feeding my first and about gave up. My husband talked me into going to see a consultant (because I wanted to bf but I didnt want the pain) and she really helped. After a few days, it was no longer painful.

[GeekMom1213]

In response to a couple above comments -

Cold compresses may slow or even stop milk production. If you want to keep breastfeeding that's the last thing you want to do. A nice warm shower may ease the pain better.

A breast pump, as much as it sounds like it might be less painful and therefore easier, will continue the cycle of yeast. When you have yeast, at least a little of it is expressed in your milk. The pump will be contaminated right away - and then even if the medications work on your and your baby and it gets killed, any lingering yeast organisms trapped in the pump system (pumps are notorious for being impossible to completely sterilize) can get back into your milk, into your baby's mouth, and then back to your body starting the process all over again. Minimizing steps is best at this point.

A nipple shield may help a little, but as above you have to make sure it's cleaned and sterilized after every single use.

Good luck mama.

[Ohbebebaby]

Have you tried using a Breast pump? She'll still be getting breast milk, without the direct contact. The Manual pump is about $35 at Walmart Avent. Make sure you keep your nipples clean.

[katyrb]

Have you tried cold compresses?

[katyrb]

I'm sorry, that sounds horrible :/ I know its painful, but if they're looking infected stopping breastfeeding is the worst thing  you could do. If they become engorged and clogged it can make the pain 10x worse and take longer to get rid of an infection. If you haven't yet, get in contact with a lactation consultant in addition to your doc...maybe a nipple shield would help? I'm sorry I can't offer more help :(

[GeekMom1213]

Use the meds your doctor gave you. Use them exactly as prescribed. Yeast is nasty and it's painful but if you and baby are both being treated it should clear up fairly quickly on meds. Push through it mama, I know it ***** and it's so miserable but you can do it and you and your baby will both be so glad you did! I wish I had some more advice. Try not to tense up too much from the pain, it'll slow your milk down and baby will have a harder time getting it so she'll suck even harder. Just try to relax I know it's hard. Wash your hands a million times especially before and after you nurse. Easy to spread the yeast with your hands onto burp cloths etc.