Dear Diane,
        When a mom calls with sore nipples, especially after a time of
comfortable feeding, I always ask lots of detailed questions & try to observe,
if possible.  Behavior mother might describe as "chewing" may be something else
that she interprets as best she can (discomfort can be difficult to describe
accurately)

        When a baby has been Breastfeeding comfortably and then mom gets sore
nipples, thrush is always a possibility, especially with that history at 2 wk.
Were the cracks on her nipples on the tips, or somewhere around the circles of a
bull's eye pattern?  Thrush makes skin very inelastic so cracks are different
from the abraded tip from nipple sucking or the clearly demarked wound from
newly erupting teeth.  Baby can have subclinical thrush -- no visible symptoms.
Thrush in the mouth can feel like dust on the tongue that won't wash off
(personal experience).  Thrush may also make palate itch.

        Teething can change baby's Breastfeeding behaviors.  Gums can itch &
ache.like a headache in the jaw (again, personal experience, I teethed with
wisdom teeth in college).   If there are any solid foods:  allergic responses
can cause itchy palate;  any tidbit of food left in baby's mouth or cheek can
cause chewing behavior during feeding (I would always check my little teether's
mouth with my finger first)

        I am distraut that Breastfeeding would be interrupted for a 6 mo. baby,
for whom it is probably very precious, and for mom, who will have to compensate.
How courageous she is to continue pumping to keep up her supply to maintain that
special bond.  Please let me know privately about what happens & whether this is
helpful.  Thanks, Susan Johnson [log in to unmask]