Since both of these have been recent threads  I thought I'd add  on.   With
my 2nd child I had  just became IBCLC for less than 1 yr when I had a deep
crack at the base of my nipple.  I did all the usual stuff, nursed for 6wks
more with using that breast for only few feeds then the other breast
developed a crack same spot.  I couldn't pump because it opened the crack.
 Every time I thought it healed enough to try again  it opened back up.
 Fragile tissue?  Anyway she was weaned at 16 mos, the shortest nurser I've
had and I still feel quilt over it.  I had a brief sore period with #3 but
was more adamant with switching positions and worked through it without the
crack.  However I was "testing" a pump at work and it made me crack on the
surface of the nipple (not the tip)  and bleed.  Fragile tissue again?  The
only  thing I noticed this time was some flakey white tissue around the sore
area.  Same things happened with #4 and 5.  #5 I did have the cracks but
perservered.  No I didn't see anyone-- Pride I guess.  I knew it woudn't make
me quit.  I did try some Nystatin cream and it did improve, but it improved
without it also.    I also had children that cut their top teeth first,
around 1yr.  It was worse during times later as they cut other teeth. I
sometimes had teeth marks, but not where the cracks were.   I never had any
s/s of yeast nor did my children.
Question--does the ph of saliva in the child's mouth change enough to promote
yeast growth  or  does the change lead to fragile tissue on the breast?
 Could some of this be a factor in the delayed healing some experience?   Has
anyone looked into teething factors with these moms?  I am aware of the
crumbs in the mouth stuff from other mothers with the advice on wipping the
breast off or wipping the mouth out prior to nursing.