Thrush or what?

by Alexandra

I was wondering if this sounds like thrush. I am now on day 10 of pumping and bottle feeding trying to get my nipples to heal as they were severely cracked due to improper latching. I noticed today after feeding on my least torn up side that my baby has a white tounge towards the back and also her top gums towards the back and roof of mouth is white. It's not spotty white just white. Also, my nipples are just not healing. They have what i call craters in them. My left nipple is half gone it seems like. They are pink and my left nipple is white at the base where the nipple meets the areola, its also swollen there. My nipples are still painful and sometimes have shooting pains when I'm just sitting doing nothing. I am going to take my daughter to her pedi tomorrow to get checked out if I can get in but I just wondered if this does sound like thrush.

Answer from the lactation consultant:
I am so sorry you are going through this. I am so proud of you for toughing it out and pumping for so long. You must be really tired.

Yes, your signs surely do sound like thrush. On you and baby. Thrush is very treatable with a prescription from your doctor. Make sure you tell them you are breastfeeding so they will include a prescription for you as well.
The shooting pains you describe sound like vasospasms, which occur as a result of nipple infection/injury. An assessment by a lactation consultant would be extrememly beneficial to confirm your suspicions. There are vitamin/mineral and prescription medications that you would benefit from if thrush and vasospasms are the culprit. I hope this helps!
Liz