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severely cracked nipples

Estela - posted on 05/13/2011 ( 2 moms have responded )

9

3

My nipples are severely cracked all around the base of the nipple. It really looks and feels terrible. My baby is 9 mon now and i exclusively breast pump for about a month now cuz baby was not gaining well. And his latch never felt comfortable but i just kept breastfeeding. We also battled Thrush it went away for like 3 mon but now we got it again. I assume that's why my nipples are cracked and peeling.

I've been happy just giving him pumped milk until now. It looks horrible when i see my nipple stretched out by the pump and see the crack on my nipples opening up and getting bigger each time. I really dont know what to do. I only pump like three times a day now to give my nipples time to heal. and Ive been putting nystatin and antibiotics. but they r are just not healing. I'm at the point where i think i need to quit. I know that I'm going to regret it but I'm in just to much pain. As it is I'm only pumping 3 times a day. My milk is less and less each time. That's why i think, what the heck am i doing. Is it worth all the pain for a couple of ounces I'm getting.

Does anybody have any advise on what i can do. Maybe a miracle ointment i can use that helps heal quickly before my milk goes away completely.

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2 Comments

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Kathy - posted on 05/14/2011

2,423

33

Estela, I've just realised something important - if your doctor has been prescribing antibiotics for thrush, or while you have thrush, it's no wonder the thrush hasn't cleared up. The thrush organism (candida albicans) is a fungus, and thrives on antbiotics. You really need an anti-fungal, like the nystatin which you're currently using. If, for some reason, you need to take antibiotics, you need to also take probiotics, which add to the "good" bacteria.

Kathy - posted on 05/14/2011

2,423

33

I always found that breastmilk is almost a miracle healer. Just pat some on to your nipples and allow it to air-dry.

It sounds like you've been seeing a doctor to get treatment for thrush, to make sure it really goes away, and check your diet - try to avoid things with lots of yeast and processed sugars. This site is quite useful:
http://www.thewomens.org.au/breastandnip...


A lot of mums have found that the baby's breastfeeding is actually more comfortable and places less strain on the nipple. It sounds as if you need to get that latch right, if it never felt comfortable. If you wish to go back to breastfeeding your baby, there are some great videos on YouTube. The Ameda one is particularly useful.

You're probably aware that pumping is not as effective as baby's sucking, so this might be why you seem to be getting less. Also, if you're only pumping 3 times a day your breasts would not be producing a lot of milk. So maybe if you could sort out the thrush and get the attachment right so you can feed your baby more, your milk supply will increase.



Hope these suggestions help.

Jessica - posted on 05/14/2011

164

7

Medela breast healing soft shells. You can buy them from motherhood.com. They allow air flow to the nipples, so they heal faster and your nipples won't adhere to your bra!

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