Five weeks after the birth of her child, breastfeeding is going well for an RK reader - apart from the itchy breasts. Dr Philippa Kaye looks into the matter.

Raisingkids member's problem
Hi, I'm breastfeeding my five-week-old son and it's going fine but I am finding I have terribly itchy breasts, not just when I'm feeding him but at other times too. Is there a reason for this and is there anything I can do to relieve it?

Medical Expert Dr Philippa's Advice
Congratulations on the birth of your baby and well done with the breastfeeding!

Some women feel an itching sensation behind the nipples when they are breastfeeding as the let down reflex occurs when the baby suckles. However, if you are feeling itchy at other times you may have developed thrush, a fungal infection, the same kind as you can get in your vagina. This causes itchy nipples and breasts and occasionally a discharge from the nipples. You and your baby could be transferring the infection between your nipples and his mouth.

It is easily treated with antibiotics – either a pill for you and mouth drops for your baby, or a cream that you put on your nipples and baby gets his dose as he breastfeeds.

Alternatively the skin of your breasts may be reacting to something, for example you may be leaking milk and the continual dampness could be irritating the skin, or you could be reacting to new breastfeeding bras.

Pop along to your doctor to be examined, they will be able to tell you if you have thrush or another skin condition and treat it as appropriate.

Things you do for yourself are to wear cotton bras and use breast pads to keep yourself dry, change the pads regularly throughout the day. You could try a nipple cream such as Lansinoh for your nipples. Some people find aloe vera gel soothing for the skin and keeping it in the fridge will have the added benefit of cooling down the skin when you have that burning itching sensation.

• Raisingkids Member? Click here to ask Philippa a question
  
• Not Joined Yet? Click here to register for free!
  

Medical and general health issues
Click here for the medical questions we've answered to date...

Ask Other Parents
Why not discuss this issue with other members? Click here for our Talk! boards.

Please note:
The medical and health-related information on this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In the event of any physical or mental condition, seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay. Do not postpone medical treatment while awaiting a response from this site.

In an emergency always call 999 (UK only).