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Q&A With Our Experts

Breastfeeding Expert

Susan de Wet

Susan runs her own private nursing practice where she advises parents and immunises babies. She also runs antenatal classes as well as crash courses. Read More...

Question

Posted by: yasmeen on 11 December 2012

My baby is now 4 weeks old and exclusively breastfed. I have been experiencing pain during feeding as well as burning and sharp pains. i have been to the clinic where the nurse advised me that the baby is latching well. Can u help me in identifying the problem? I have read about thrush but dont seem to have any of the symtoms. ould it still be thrush. I would really appreciate your help. Thanks

Answer

Hi Yasmeen There is a few reasons for tender and painfull nipples – as you correctly stated, incorrect latching is mostly the problem. Other reasons might be infection or circulation. The breastfeeding answer book by the La Leche leagu international (2003:457) states that soreness during the entire nursing could be positioning and latching –on problems. Check that your baby is in the right position, has a wide open latch and not make any clicking sounds when feeding. It could be thrush which is normally sharp pain during and after feedings. Normally feeding makes the symptoms better if it is indeed thrush. Your baby might also have symptoms of thrush orally or on the bum. You need to be treated with a antifungal medication. The last reason which isn’t so common is Raynaud’s Phenomenon. This involves a circulation problem. You might also suffer from extremely cold fingers and toes. There is a picture on http://cavemother.blogspot.com/2010/01/with-nipples-aflame.html . Nipples tend to be very sore, and turn white after a feed. Your nipples could also stay white in between feeds. You could apply a warm facecloth before and after a feed. In extreme cases your Doctor might prescribe Adalat. It migh be beneficial to see a IBCLC in your area, or someone that specialises in breastfeeding.

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