I've been breastfeeding without any real problems for a while now. In the beginning we had to supplement as I wasn't producing enough milk for my daughter, but after a while we were able to wean the formula off as my milk supply increased and only needed to supplement sometimes when she was growth-spurting. Once she started solids we basically supplemented with those instead and nowadays she also gets some whole milk bottles sometimes before bed if what I have isn't enough. Often my milk and her solid meals seem to keep her happy.
Over the last month I've been having a problem with one breast, however. I've mentioned in a previous posting here that I've been trying some new medications that may have had an effect on my milk, so I want to point that out too - however it doesn't seem to have made a difference to her. We've been settling in on some new meds and I've weaned out a feeding here and there to help minimize how much of my meds she might be getting. However I've been having increasing pain in one nipple. It's not constant - it happens when she initially latches on and then will subside for a bit before returning to the point where I have to pull her off because it hurts so much. Not only that, but the nipple is usually partly blue when I pull her off! I'm not sure what this might be. I have been looking online, but I'm not sure where my symptoms fit in.
I should probably also mention that my daughter also recently had some sort of a fungal issue in her diaper area, but the doctor diagnosed it and prescribed a couple of OTC creams that have been clearing it up. It may have started around the same time, however, so I'm not convinced it couldn't be connected.
I'm a bit between doctors for a primary physician for the moment. Would this be somethng I could see my Gynecologist for? Does anyone know what this could be so I can do some research before I see a doctor? She's starting to get more milk from the other breast at the moment because I can't stand the pain.
A.:
sounds like you need to at least talk to a lactation consultant if not also see one. the medication can be looked up in Tom Hale's Medications and Mother's Milk in order to clear up that issue.
Unfortunately few ob's or gyn's know much about breastfeeding and breast issues.
P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres, Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com
In my experience Ob/Gynes know next to nothing about breastfeeding. You'll have better luck with a midwife. I had recurring mastitis (4x in 5 months) and have gotten great advice and support from the midwives at Northwestern on this topic. I would talk to someone and see what they say. I suggest talking to a midwife rather than a lactation consultant - the nurse midwife has had much more medical training, so will have a better understanding of general health issues outside the realm of breastfeeding.
I have no idea what that could be other than a possible infection and you should absolutely call your gynecologist. It may also be worth calling LaLeche as they have probably seen and heard of eveything. Good luck!
I can't really offer an solutions, but have you looked at www.kellymom.com? I have found it really helpful with my nursing issues. They have great resources and if you can't find it in an article their forums are really good and the moderators can usually point you towards the right resources.
And your OB/GYN should be able to see you for this or you can try to find a lactation consultant. Good luck!
I would first call your ob/gyne, talk to the nurse and see what they have to say. They may want to rule out thrush. Plus, they may have some suggestions, or a lactation consultant. In the mean time, I would pump that breast and feed her on the other so you don't lose the supply on that side. You guys may be passing a yeast infection back and forth. The blue nipple I don't know about. Unless that's how it gets from her sucking and it hurts from thrush?
I ran across this article a while back and it sounds a little like what you are experiencing....
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/helthrpt/stories/s###...
Best of luck :)
