yeast/thrush or just pumping irritation?

[azgirl]

Hi guys, I have read thru the battling thrush thread...and it makes me wonder if I really have thrush/yeast or if my nipples are just irritated by the pump. My nipples and areolas are red where the pump sucks. They are irritated and clothing rubbing really hurts...but it sounds like yeast is way worse...I am being treated for yeast (diflucan etc.) I am washing things in hot water, taking sugar out of my diet etc. Nothing helps, but my nipples aren't cracking and bleeding either. Anyone have happy nipples with pumping? I have rosacea and super sensitive skin...could it just be that?

[RootSnort]

Are your flanges large enough?

[jadedone80]

I never pumped, so I have no advice there.

If it is thrush, make sure you wash the pump thoroughly after each session or you will just reinfect yourself.

As far as irritation, have you tried olive oil? It is very soothing, healing, and ok for baby.

Good Luck!

[asunlitrose]

When you put your nipple in the flange is there space all the way around your nipple?

If the flange is too tight/small, that could be causing some pain.

Another way to tell is if your nipples have a white ring around them while pumping or after pumping.

[BakerALM]

I had pumping irritation the entire time I pumped (22mths of EPing) since I really needed the middle size between what I was using and the next size up. If I went up a size my supply tanked but the size I was using caused my nips to rub. What your describing sounds like "horn burn"! : And can lead to other problems like thrush or infections since the skin is constantly irritated and a bit more open with a few layers of skin rubbed off.