One of the nurses I work with tells the clients to rinse their nipples with a saline solution. It seems that she recommends this even when you can see the thrush and doesn't recommend seeing a doctor for treatment. I would love to know what you think. She is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as a retired La Leche League Leader. Dear Lorraine, Saline soaks can be wonderfully healing for sore nipples .
Abraded tissue provides a wonderful entry point for a fungal infection to take hold.
Though thrush is not generally a serious condition in the healthy infant or mom, it is remarkably persistent and can lead to premature weaning. Once thrush has taken hold, it is unlikely that saline rinses or soaks would be effective in the treatment of this condition. When thrush is present, it is necessary to treat both mom and baby with an antifungal, simultaneously, for a period of at least 2 weeks - even if one remains without symptoms. Make sure one without preservatives is chosen. Following a feed, nipples can be soaked in normal saline solution for 10 minutes.