Phyllis,
Thrush (or any fungal infection) will delay wound healing.  Once the thrush is
gone, the nipple should heal as long as baby is sucking properly.  Meanwhile
this mom will probably need a lot of support and positive reinforcement.
        I have also noticed that moms with tiny premies or twins are more
likely to have supply problems with the Lactina than with the classic.  There
was a lot of discussion on the subject of the equivalence of the two machines
on Lactnet last year, some felt there was a difference, others felt there was
none.  I personally got more milk with junkie over the counter hand pumps than
with the Lactina when I was nursing; and manual expression was far more
effective for me than the lot.
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC  [log in to unmask]