Regarding the question of thrush's involvement with blanching:
I see blanching nipples both with and without thrush. It is my understanding
that when blanching occurs, the nipple tissue is not receiving a blood flow,
and that can't promote healthy tissue healing. When blanching occurs, I
advise mothers to place a warm compress with gentle pressure to relieve the
"spasm"
(warm wet washcloth, or just a warm palm pressing gently towards the chest).
I have found that it helps relieve pain, and seems to help to break the
blanching cycle, as long as other reasons for the blanching are also being
addressed (i.e. thrush, incorrect suck, etc).
Fritzi Drosten RN IBCLC