68 | Breastfeeding Q&A: Comfort Nursing, Thrush That Won’t Go Away, and What to Do

Breastfeeding Challenges: Comfort Nursing and Persistent Thrush

In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence podcast, host Jaimie Zaki, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of five, answers two common community questions: “What should I do if my baby uses me as a pacifier?” and “My baby has white patches on her tongue, the doctor says it’s thrush, but it won’t go away — what now?”

Jaimie breaks down the difference between nutritive and non-nutritive sucking, when and how pacifiers can be helpful, and how to know when “comfort nursing” is actually a red flag for oral dysfunction. She also clears up confusion between “milk tongue” and true thrush, shares what persistent thrush really means, and explores the role of gut health in recovery.

With practical tips, mindset shifts, and encouragement, this episode helps you feel less alone while navigating frustrating breastfeeding struggles.

BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES

👉FREE Breastfeeding Mistakes Guide - DOWNLOAD NOW

👉Access the Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy for step-by-step guidance on protecting your milk supply, managing common breastfeeding struggles, and getting a pain-free latch: Book a 20-minute Q&A session with Jaimie for personalized support

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Podcast Welcome 01:06 November Updates & Breastfeeding Community 01:50 Comfort Nursing vs. Pacifier Use 06:09 Baby Thrush Concerns Explained 06:37 Breastfeeding Resource Library 07:18 Thrush vs. Milk Tongue: Getting a Proper Diagnosis 11:20 Final Thoughts & Support Options 12:06 Conclusion & Call to Action