Amanda:  There are a few things that  could cause this besides what you've
mentioned.  If the baby is having pain (caused by ear infection, oral
thrush, etc) she might not open her mouth wide <enough> or in a slightly
different way (does she hear any clicking?)  in an instinctive effort to
minimize pain.  This might be just the difference needed to trigger MER.
Another overlapping possibility is that the mom has breast yeast (any risk
factors?)  then that can interfear with MER if it's ductal yeast.  If the
mom is taking antihystamines--some times decongestants--this might impact
things (I don't know if Tylenol d/t has both or just one).  Other factors to
consider...trauma to the breast (a mom getting hit with a softball in the
breast reported this to me); high dose vitamins or herbs; stress (physical
or emotional); change in detergent/softener/soap (leading to soreness not
MER problem); cold.  Has mom tried warm compresses or taking a shower before
nursing?  Chris
Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, IBCLC, CHES
HSR & Educational Consultant   email: [log in to unmask]
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