>>Had been treated with nystantin pill X 2wks., then nystantin liquid for
mother and baby x2 wks.<<

Diana, I hope that all involved in this particular treatment decision
realized how worthless it was for the mother's part. Nystatin works for
babies because their yeast is on exposed tissues from mouth through to anus.
Nystatin is not orally absorbed, and doesn't need to be to reach baby's
affected areas. However, for a mom with ductal thrush..... nystatin never
gets into her system, it just passes through the digestive tract, so it never
reaches her breast. Not much help!  :-)

The diflucan was the only treatment choice that had the potential to reach
the ductal yeast.  I prefer to see the nipples continue to be treated
topically, as well as the baby's mouth (and bottom, if affected), while mom
is on the diflucan.  Without concurrent therapy, you cannot guarantee that it
won't be passed back as soon as the diflucan is finished!

As far as mom's continued red nipples are concerned.... it may be residual
yeast on the surface. I would add the topical as I mentioned above and see if
that makes a difference. If not, then she might consider visiting a
dermatologist; after this much time, she may also have developed a secondary
infection, or may have localized inflammation that might respond to a topical
steroid.

On the issue of baby popping on and off..... if baby's thrush is no longer
being treated, it could be coming back, and it does make their mouth
uncomfortable; that is one other possibility here.

-Lisa Marasco, LLLL, IBCLC