Raw nipples after 9 months

[mt_gooseberry]

My dd is 9mo and I have had thrush for about 7 of those 9 months. Also constant plugged ducts and 2 bouts of mastitis. Right now my nipples are raw and bleeding and I don't know why. Her latch is good and she has no teeth yet. Why, after 9 months, would I suddenly end up with raw nipples? It hurts so bad to nurse--even worse than with the thrush. I feel like giving up. Any advice?

[firewoman]

I don't have an answer for you right yet. I will try and go read through my LLL Answer Book. I'm so sorry you have faced so many challenges nursing your daughter and no, I don't think you should give up. I'm going to go and read and then if I find anything that I think it may be I will post again. Hopefully in the meantime someone will be able to give you and answer.

[KSDoulaMama]

No ideas off the top of my head for raw nipples at this point aside from the basics of latch and positioning- maybe something has changed lately latch-wise?

Mostly I just wanted to send some support your way. Wow! You are such a strong mom for nursing through all of those challenges. Way to go for all you've done so far.

[3girls1boy]

Do you think you might be ovulating?  This can cause nipples to hurt.  

[cocoanib]

My DD is 8 months and I just went through a sore nip phase. It was so painful that I started using lansinoh and icing them again.

I think it had something to do with her having 2 teeth and trying to get used to that. She was'nt biting me, but I think her latch was different, so I started helping her get the breast in her mouth again. I also took care during night feeds to position correctly.

I also get plugged ducts from time to time. My right breast especially. I have to actively work to keep my breast healthy by taking lecithin, massaging in a hot shower and sometimes during BFing. The blocked ducts can be painful, but if I stay on top of things, I keep them to a minimum.

HTH!

[Shanesmom]

Put breastmilk on your nipples