If you have experienced trouble free nursing and suddenly are feeling nipple pain, you may have developed thrush, a yeast infection. Often, this infection will also occur in your baby. Check if any white spots are present in your baby's mouth or if he has a raised diaper rash. Both you and your baby should see the doctor for diagnosis and treatment. You should continue to nurse while being treated.
In addition to following your doctors instructions, it may be helpful to:
- Rinse the area with cool water after nursing and allow to air dry
- Wash all items that come into contact with your breast hot soapy water
- Boil all items that come into contact with your baby's mouth for 5 minutes after use
- Avoid wearing a bra
- Wash your hands with hot, soapy water before and after nursing
- Make sure the baby is latching on correctly, this will decrease pain during nursing
Nipple pain with an older baby may also be attributed the baby's development. Be sure that your baby is not tugging or pulling at the nipple. Sometimes as babies get older they begin to show interest in their environment and will twist and turn during nursing to look around. Don't let your baby play tug of war on your nipple! Try nursing in a quite place with few distractions. You can also preempt your baby's move by gently releasing him off your breast before he pulls.
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