Thrush – What Is It And How Can It Affect Breastfeeding Moms?

Some nursing moms will experience a little understood but not uncommon breastfeeding challenge: thrush. Thrush, simply put, is a yeast infection of the breast. Thrush affects the nipples, and can even go as deep as the milk producing glands. What’s more, baby’s mouth can become infected, and baby and mom can even pass the infection back and forth.

Thrush is often quite painful, especially if it has gone undiagnosed for awhile. Thrush can cause feeding difficulties because of the discomfort in the nursing infant’s mouth. Some babies may fight or refuse the breast so prompt treatment is important for a successful nursing experience.

In order to prevent mom from becoming discouraged and giving up breastfeeding, a discussion of common symptoms and treatment of thrush is quite valuable. There are effective ways to prevent and treat thrush so that the mom can continue to experience this beautiful way in which to care for and feed her child.

In many cases, thrush has no visible signs, however the mother may notice some of the following symptoms: pain when baby latches on that doesn’t subside after a few seconds, white patches inside baby’s mouth that don’t wipe away (not to be confused with milk in the baby’s mouth), a shiny red appearance to the nipple, itching or pain in the nipple, and sometimes mom will have a vaginal yeast infection and baby a diaper rash. If mom or baby has had recent antibiotic treatment, yeast is to be suspected. This is because antibiotics upset the balance of “good” bacteria in the gut, allowing yeast to overgrow.

In order to prevent this issue, it’s a good idea to: change nursing pads after each feeding, going braless occasionally allowing the nipples to breathe, wiping baby’s mouth out with a soft clean handkerchief after nursing, and prophylactic use of acidophilus after taking antibiotics.

If a yeast infection is suspected, strict hygiene is necessary to keep it from spreading back and forth from mom to baby. Proper washing of hands with soap and water after all diaper changes and using the bathroom, not sharing bath towels, sanitizing pacifiers (or throwing them away, better yet) and bottle nipples, teething rings and all of baby’s items that come in contact with their mouth in boiling water, or soaking them with vinegar can help as well.

There are some natural remedies for thrush also. For instance, applying a weak mixture of vinegar and water to the breast a couple of times a day can result in an inhospitable environment for yeast to grow. If this causes burning, a mixture of baking soda and water can be helpful. Some moms have had good results with olive oil applied to the breast. In extreme cases, topical crèmes available by prescription, as well as oral antifungal drugs, can be used to treat the condition. Ask your baby’s Pediatrician or your OB/GYN for recommendations. Most of these medications are safe to use during breastfeeding and can also be administrated to babies.

Yeast is a challenge to overcome, especially if it has a strong foothold in the gut. Yeast loves sugar, so it’s a good idea to avoid sugar and white flour during treatment, as well as citrus fruits, sweets and junk food. Alcoholic beverages should also be avoided. Eating a whole foods diet with lots of vegetables and protein and including kefir or yogurt with active cultures will help the body kick the infection.

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