Kris, It is entirely possible the mother has created a perfect greenhouse under those shells and has a fungal overgrowth on her nipples independent from candida other places. In spite of the holes, my experiences with shells have been that the environment inside them is pretty moist and airless, and they promote almost constant leaking. I think the pressure of the shells on the breasts has contributed to some cases of plugged duct. For sore nipples I just recommend leaving bra flaps down or going bra-less and wearing cotton t-shirts. Tell her to do some vinegar and water soaks: mix up a bowl of warm water with white vinegar maybe 2 cups water: 1/2 cup vinegar and soak for a few min. Then air dry and treat area with monistat cream. Repeat the monistat after every feeding for several days and the soaks 2-3 times a day. See what happens in 3 days or so. Sometimes candida can literally be washed off if caught early before skin breaks down. Barbara