The Sore Truth

Occasionally, a breastfeeding mother will experience sore nipples after a period of pain-free nursing. If all other causes have been ruled out, such as improper positioning and inadequate latch-on, thrush should be considered.

Thrush is a common yeast infection that affects the mucous membranes. Yeast is normally present in the body in harmless amounts, but an overgrowth can occur under a variety of circumstances. The organism thrives on the lactose in milk – be it human or bovine – and thrush can be a problem in a formula-fed baby as well.

A yeast infection in a premature or low-birth-weight infant can be life-threatening, as can a yeast infection in an individual whose immune system is impaired by other illness or infection. Luckily, for most people, thrush is not a serious condition and breastfeeding can and should continue.

Symptoms in the mother that may cause thrush to be considered are itchy, "burning" nipples, "shooting" pains during or after a feeding, bright pink nipples extending into the areola (where baby's mouth touches) or "flaky" nipple skin. Mother may also have symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection.

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