I put my two cents in already but thought the list would be interested in my bout with this subject. My soreness was due to liquid fabric softener in my nursing bras! Although I have used it for years, all of the sudden it made me itch and eventually very sore when I started nursing my kiddo #4. It's weird I know but a possible cause for unexplained soreness. Another problem in the area where I live is that due to water softeners used for treatment of well water (most of the county has wells, not public water) make it difficult to get all of the soap off of skin and out of wash. I always rec. double rinsing of all underwear, bras and breast pads while using no fabric softener. I often find moms who experience repeat thrush infections or persistant thrush are not caring for washable breast pads properly either. I always rec. disposables when thrush is present and make sure moms disinfect their washable pads well before using them after treatment. Just a tibit from cow town. Melissa Brancho