Since both of these have been recent threads I thought I'd add on. With my 2nd child I had just became IBCLC for less than 1 yr when I had a deep crack at the base of my nipple. I did all the usual stuff, nursed for 6wks more with using that breast for only few feeds then the other breast developed a crack same spot. I couldn't pump because it opened the crack. Every time I thought it healed enough to try again it opened back up. Fragile tissue? Anyway she was weaned at 16 mos, the shortest nurser I've had and I still feel quilt over it. I had a brief sore period with #3 but was more adamant with switching positions and worked through it without the crack. However I was "testing" a pump at work and it made me crack on the surface of the nipple (not the tip) and bleed. Fragile tissue again? The only thing I noticed this time was some flakey white tissue around the sore area. Same things happened with #4 and 5. #5 I did have the cracks but perservered. No I didn't see anyone-- Pride I guess. I knew it woudn't make me quit. I did try some Nystatin cream and it did improve, but it improved without it also. I also had children that cut their top teeth first, around 1yr. It was worse during times later as they cut other teeth. I sometimes had teeth marks, but not where the cracks were. I never had any s/s of yeast nor did my children. Question--does the ph of saliva in the child's mouth change enough to promote yeast growth or does the change lead to fragile tissue on the breast? Could some of this be a factor in the delayed healing some experience? Has anyone looked into teething factors with these moms? I am aware of the crumbs in the mouth stuff from other mothers with the advice on wipping the breast off or wipping the mouth out prior to nursing.