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Expert Q&A

	By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant

In all the literature, it states to combat yeast a sequence of Diflucan should be 100 mg, once a day for 14 days, with a starter dose of 200 mg. I was prescribed the 200 mg dose to be taken two times per day for 10 days (with an initial starter dose of two pills). Is this as effective as the 14-day dose? Now that I have finished the pills, my nipples are still red/pink, extending slightly into the areola. My nipples are still very sore. When Baby latches on there is an initial stinging, and then the feeding session seems to ease up. Did the treatment not work, or does it take a few days after the medicine is in my system to work?

It sounds like you should visit with a lactation consultant and get an observation of Baby's latch-on technique. You might also want to be sure to follow other yeast protocol, such as cutting back on sugar, red meat, yeast breads in your diet, changing towels after each bath or shower, washing clothing in very hot water, allowing breasts to get a lot of air and light or discussing use of gentian violet as described by Dr. Jack Newman.

If that doesn't help you to feel more comfortable, you might also want to consider seeing a dermatologist. Sometimes what is thought to be yeast is not; instead, it can be some type of dermatitis. I recently talked on the phone with a mother who had been through two courses of Diflucan, and after seeing a dermatologist, she found out she didn't have yeast in the first place.

I wish you well.

Sincerely,
Ann Calandro"

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