Thrush

So, it seemed our breastfeeding woes didn't end at tongue and lip ties. Unfortunately, we battled thrush for two months before it was finally kicked to the curb! It all began after I had an infection in one of my teeth and had to be on antibiotics. Little did I know, those antibiotics would be the beginning of a long and painful journey. After I had been on the antibiotics for a few days, I noticed my right nipple HURT! It hurt worse than when Bubby was first born. I had no idea why, so of course I did a quick google search and learned that thrush was more than likely the culprit of my pain. I called my LC who told me to get in touch with my OB and pediatrician to begin being treated immediately. My OB prescribed Diflucan for me but that nurse at the pediatrician told me that since Bubby had no symptoms we didn't need to treat him! Of course, that is horrible information and our thrush continued even after my course of meds. I finally took Alex in to a different pediatrician who started him on Nystatin. We used that for about a week with no relief still. He was then prescribed a different medication that still did not kick the thrush. I was devastated and again thought my breastfeeding days would have to end. Next my LC recommended gentian violet. I ordered online and began using it. It was extremely messy but gave me relief almost immediately! I was elated. After using it for a week, our thrush was finally gone! ... A few days later I began having horrible pains in my side and discovered I had an infection and would have to go on antibiotics again. This time I was prepared and took probiotics along with my antibiotics but the thrush came back anyway. We used the gentian violet once more along with an all purpose nipple ointment and finally kicked the thrush once and for all after 2 long months. We have now been thrush free for 3 weeks!
Yay! I guess the moral of these stories is that breastfeeding is not always and easy and natural as you would think. It can be frustrating, difficult and just downright painful, but it is soooo worth it! I am so glad that I have not given up and I can continue to give my son the best of the best! At 4 months old he is 16 lbs 9 oz and that is all from mama's milk! I am so proud of myself and of him for getting this far and I look forward to continuing our breastfeeding journey!