Happily Encountering Stumbling Blocks - help!

[wonderfullymade]

Whoo Hoo! I am joyfully encountering new difficulties with nursing! I say joyfully because I failed nursing with each of my children (5 days w/ #1, 3 months w/ #2, 6 weeks with the twins). This little guy is splendidly and happily ExcBFing for, going on, 6 months.

This may not be a feat for some of you ExtBFers, but for me, after all of my falling-shorts, this is a 'miracle'.

I am happy, then, to report that I need help working something out: my little guy has just cut his first tooth and, though I am not sure if it is the tooth, or something with my nips, but my left nipple is sore and 'zinging' whenever he nurses. It leads me to believe it might be my nip and not his tooth as it is only on the left side - unless it is his position while nursing. I checked his latch, our positioning (cradle) and my temp. - all is fine. He is not 'biting' me, but I still have this problem. Any suggestions? I am planning on going to the LLL meeting around here, but it is not until the first week of April (I think).

I am new to the area and so, I don't want to call upon 'services' before establishing a relationship with these kind women, so, I am turning to the wisdom of the ladies of Motheringdotcommune.

[aswbarry]

Congrats on nursing for this long!
I had this same problem with my daughter when she cut her first tooth. It was only on one side as well. I thought it was thrush at first but then ruled that out because I had no pain when pumping. In our case, I think her latch was adjusting and that too was adding to my discomfort. We worked it out by nursing lying down as able and I would also football hold her. If these positions have worked for you and your babe you might give that a try. The pain/ discomfort only lasted about a week and a half and then subsided. My daughter just cut her 4th tooth and with each one there was a bit of a comfort adjustment for both of us.
Good luck!
Angela