Is this nipple thrush?

[lulululu]

I rang the ABA and they said it might be, but I'm reluctant to take medication unless I'm sure, and particulArly reluctant to medicate bub unless needed.
Bub is 9 months. Feeding has been good. Not too many problems. A couple of cases of mastitis and in retrospect probably a cracked nipple prior to the first.
Now quite suddenly my nipples are very sore when he feeds, especially when he first goes on or if he moves, which he does all the time. It started with one then after a week or so the other one started hurting. It's slowly getting worse. It's so bad I dread him feeding. And I normally love it.
The only other symptom I've noticed is slightly redder than normal nipples.
He has 6 teeth and often seems to "forget" to unclamp before pulling off, which scrapes painfully.
So, anyone has thrush? Was it like this?

[samandsez]

Sorry I haven't had thrush, but hope you get it sorted soon, sounds nasty! My DD is currently teething and I hope she doesn't scrape when they finally break through, eek!!

[samandsez]

P.S. You can check any medicines here to see if or how they will affect BM and bub, I've used it a few times! http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/

[lulululu]

Thanks sam and sez. I'm thinking it's "just" trauma from the biting and pulling. That link is handy though

[alindrina]

I have had nipple thrush. I had little spots on my nipple and it felt sore and itchy both outside and inside.

I really hope you are feeling better soon. Sore nipples are horrible!

I am not sure whether you have nipple thrush or not, but I got Daktozin oral gel stuff from the Chemist (this was nine years ago so not sure if they still sell it) and put it on my nipple, which also went onto my son's tongue when he was breastfeeding, in case he caught thrush from my nipple.

[Blairysmum]

I had nipple thrush and it actually felt like my breasts were on fire they burnt, stung and itched, it was incredibly painful when dd would attach, I never went on medication just a cream that is safe for bub to suck! My dd was only 6 weeks when I got it though.

[lulululu]

Thanks alindrina and blairysmum. I have no itching, nor spots or burning - just the pain. So I am even more convinced it isn't thrush now and I'm glad I didn't rush out and buy the cream for it.
I've been "coaching" bub to go on gently and not pull off with some success and they are actually feeling a little better so I guess I just need to be very vigilant about good attachment and reduce distractions that make him turn his head as he doesn't open his mouth first.
Anyone got any tips for how to stop bub doing the old " I won't let go of the nipple cause I'm not finished with it, but I'll just have a look over here..." Streeeeetch ouch!