[EmmaJean]

I'm calling them cracks b/c I guess that's what they are. Never had them before. Basically like the creases at the base of my nipple are open. I have two long ones on the rt side and one smaller one on the left side. I've been treating my thrush since last week (the cracks in the rt. side were present and I believe part of my getting the thrush). Now the thrush has subsided but my cracks are still there and very painful while nursing. After each nrusing and sometimes more, I've been doing a vinegar solution rinse, then GSE rinse, then neosporin sometimes, then anti-fungal cream. And I'm taking probiotics and garlic too.

So today is when I realized the cracks are still there and worse (all my thrush bumps finally went away so I could see the cracks now). Anyway, I don't know what else to do! I can't use my own BM, lansinoh, or soothies pads b/c of the thrush issue. How can these ever heal if Lily keeps nursing and opening them back up? There's no way I can pump and avoid nursing for a few days, which I'd LOVE to do. She's 17m, so nursing is more for comfort and routine now, although the bulk of her nutrition still comes from me!

Any advice? I've been checking around, and it seems my options are limited. I wonder if I need meds for a bacterial inf. since they aren't healing. This is what I've been reading in my books, but I really don't want any ANTI-biotics! Maybe I just need to do some mega dosing w/ Vit C.

Anything?? Please?!? Encouraging words?!?

 

[erikaa]

Have you tried or heard of All Purpose Nipple Ointment, or sometimes called Canadian Nipple Cream? I don't have the cracks you speak of, but when I suspected yeast or an infection on the nips my midwife prescribed the APNO. It contains antifungal, antibiotic, and helps reduce inflammation. I had to go to a specific "compounding" pharmacy since they have to mix it up special for you. I believe Dr. Jack Newman has info about it on his site. Maybe this could help? good luck!

 

[EmmaJean]

yes I've heard of it. I'm just trying to avoid the doctor's office! I was thinking of trying to get an appt.... Maybe I will now! thanks.

Lily didn't nurse on the rt (worse) side last night, so I had 12 hrs to heal a bit more. I think it's better, but they both still hurt. I just did my regimine of nipple treatments and they didn't like that!!!

 

[erikaa]

I noticed you are in the DC area. I am about 20 min from DC in PGcounty, but close to AAcounty so I use a lot of people in Annapolis. If that's not too far for you I can give you some reccomendations for friendly practitioners there.
I also forgot to ask if you've tried nursing in a different position? take care! you can PM me if you like!

 

[mmgarda]

They are gel pads that are specifically designed for wet sores on breasts. There's another brand called Ameda that are a bit more expensive, but last longer. Check your local drugstore and/or call the local LLL for referals to sources.

 

[NatalieS]

Motherlove Nipple Cream is great. The smooth consistancy is really nice when applying to sore breasts. It's also the best diaper rash cream!

 

[ladybugchild77]

I had horrible ceacks too and my lactation consultant told me to use Neosporin as well as to GENTLY wash the nipples with warm water twice a day to make sure the scabs were healing. She said as long as you don't use too much Neosprion it is OK for the baby to ingest (just don't do it right before nursing) and you don't have to wash it off. Don't use the Neosporin with the soothezz gel pads if you get them becasue it makes them lose effectiveness. It will get better, I promise!

 

[EmmaJean]

Well, I can't use the sootheez b/c of the thrush. But I would love to try them! I've heard good things.

I'm going to the doc tomorrow for an RX for Dr. Newman's nipple cream. I'm interested to see how the doc (that I've never met before) reacts to being asked for a specific RX instead of "diagnosing" me and prescribing me himself. I'm going to try to be really nice and pleasant about it, but Lord help me if he tells me to wean or won't fill it for me!!

I need to check out the motherlove stuff. I guess I'll just google it?

Thanks for the info and encouragement. I feel better today but yikes!

 

[EmmaJean]

Natalie, I should've just checked your store when this all happened!! The Yeast Defense seems like a perfect supplement. Oh well!!

(PS LOVE your circ. article!!)

 

[EmmaJean]

well, just wanted to add that I cancelled my appt b/c my nipples are almost healed! I still kind of wanted togo and just get that ointment, but did not want the hassle if I didn't *need* it. Thanks for the encouragement!!

 

[mmgarda]

Can't believe I didn't mention it before! I work at a lactation destination store and we ALWAYS recommend Motherlove nipple cream. I really believe it's the best out there and I'd recommend getting some whether you're healing or not. It's way better than pure lanolin and definitely safe for the baby to ingest (I take issue with the idea that ingesting Neosporin is ok!!).

Motherlove's nipple cream is an olive oil/beeswax base with calendula, yarrow root and a few other healing herbs. It is SOOOOOOO nice.

And their Diaper Rash Relief is awesome too, AND it's great for thrush!

Go to their website at www.motherlove.com for their products and ordering. You should be able to find local retailers, too.

I honestly really recommend any of their products. Their herbal supplements for milk supply are great and their baby products are really nice.

 

[EmmaJean]

thanks melina! I just ordered some. Sounds so nice!!

 

[mmgarda]

I'm like the unofficial Motherlove spokeswoman today! I've posted about their products on 4 threads, I think!

Enjoy!

 

[newmommy5205]

I'm a new poster, so I am sorry I didn't see this sooner. I had the same problem last month and could have helped you out. It sounds like you have it all under control now, but here is what I did if you ever have a problem again.

I squirted a mixture of 1/2 tsp of salt and 1 cup of warm water over my breast after I nursed. I dried off my breast with a paper towel and put lanolin cream on it. It healed up real nicely. Here is the source in case you are interested: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/...lehealing.html

It took me a couple of days to heal because one wound was rather deep from being opened up repeatedly, but it has never re-opened and it has been over a month.