Sore nipples at 8 months... What's happening?

[mama_tutu]

My second DD is 8 months old, and for several weeks now my nipples have been so sore. I had terrible soreness during the newborn stage with both my girls, but I BF my oldest for 15 months and never had any pain after the initial 6-8 weeks! What could be happening? She's also waking at night again... but I know that's for another thread. It just makes nursing her that extra time at night all the more frustrating!!! Has anyone experienced this?

[*Ali*]

This happened to me after 5 months of pain-free nursing with DS2. I initially thought it was because he kept falling asleep on the breast and was sucking the end rather than suckling but it turned out to be thrush. Do you think that could be a possibility for you? http://www.lalecheleague.org/faq/thrush.html

[nona]

i was thinking that as well but  there were times something felt off and it was a latch issue - i know when my babies were older they would move around a lot and look around etc , had teeth, etc

(hugs) hope it goes away soon and is nothing serious

[3littlemen]

Besides poor latch (at this point not likely), biting (again you'd know it!), I'm thinking the other option could be thrush or irritation. Have you changed soap or washing powder? But maybe thrush....

[mama_tutu]

Noooo! I was afraid you would say the "t" word. Haven't changed soaps... She doesn't have any teeth yet (although I strongly suspect a few are trying to push through)... But we have been battling yeast in her diaper area. I'll check out that la leche article... haven't dealt with thrush since my oldest was itty bitty! Thank you for your help! If the thrush articles don't seem to fit, I'll be back!

[*Ali*]

The other thing it could be is if she is getting a new tooth she could be adjusting her latch to lessen the pain when feeding and that or the hard gum over the new tooth is making you sore. I try encouraging a really wide mouth and pushing the boob in a bit deeper when latching on helps in those circumstances.