My boobs are sore....

[Mischief]

OUCH! My breasts are sooooo sore today its hurting to express....why why why? My nipples have become like leather since expressing for 9+ weeks!

My nipples are stinging today and my breasts have sharp pains in them....am I getting my period/mastitis/anything else????

[M O P]

I don't have any answers but I know what you're talking about.

I have a huge hole in one nipple, very sore. My postioning is perfect, according to all the midwives in the hosp I saw plus the nurse who did a home visit and the phsyio, so I don't know why I do.
I also get the sharp pains thing. It feels like it goes through to my rib bones.
I do also experience a muscle tightening thingo on the really sore side too that goes through to my back. I try to relax but guess I tense up cause it is so painful.

[Mischief]

Ouch Kazza - You poor thing! That sounds so painful! Does your little man tend to lick or chew your nipple sooner than sucking? Oliver did this sometimes and I was always in agony, my attatchment was FINE though (i think).....

I found a scratch under one nipple....must have been the sharp little claws this morning when he was holding my breast while feeding....OUCH...maybe the other one is hurting in sypathy!

[M O P]

I talked to a wonderful lady on the Aust Breastfeeding Assoc help line and she said to take him off earlier if he is just comfort sucking, so I do this. I always start on the non sore boob to get the milk let down happening before putting him on the sore side.

[Goosie22]

Hi,

Can you check babies mouth for white spots? Thrush can cause those types of symtoms. Extra attention to hand washing, good sterilising and maybe treatment with an antifungal.

Another thing is electric pumps sometimes have a min/med/max dial and having it on max all the time can cause micro irritation on the nipple which is really painful. Also check attachment and positioning becasue the weight of the baby in the wrong position but still attached may cause the same effect.

That is my ideas

[Bearskin]

Hi,

I agree with Goosie; it may be thrush. I am just over my 3rd bout in 8 months and my god, the sharp pains deep into the breast and around my back were agony. I also had blisters around the edge of my nipples and they became bright pink.

The first time I had it, DD also had it in her mouth. The two subsequent times she showed no symtoms of thrush but I had it. I recognised the signs early and used the antifungal cream on my nipples after every feed for 14 days. I also changed breast pads after every feed and went topless for part of the day - fun for DH :) Sunlight can also help clear it up along with antifungal cream/gel but its a bit cold at the moment! All bras need to be washed in very hot water (with bleach) and changed every day plus any pump parts.

Good luck and I hope this information helps.

[M O P]

Thanks Bearskin & Goosie, I do have white spots on both nipples, bigger on the really sore side, but only after feeding. The rest of the time it looks like a scabby sore. Nothing in Hugh's mouth but I'm going to ask next nurses visit.


Welcome to Bubhub Bearskin too:wave:

[Bearskin]

Thanks for the welcome Kazza,

Been reading for a while; have decided to get a little more interactive now!

If it is that painful to feed, you can go to then chemist tomorrow and get some antifungal gel. There are a few brands (I use Daktarin); not sure if we can post brand names on here.

I wouldn't wait - start the gel a.s.a.p and see nurse/doctor as well. It takes about 48 hours for symptoms to subside but I found the pain intense (worse than childbirth) and bought the gel Boxing Day and saw my doctor after Christmas.

Good luck