If you're a breastfeeding mama, here's everything you need to know about nipple thrush. It's normal to have Candida in the mouth and digestive system, but because the immune system of young children is undeveloped and immature, fungal overgrowths are common—and this overgrowth can result in thrush.
It can then be passed from a baby's mouth to the mother. The infection can also be passed through supplies, like breast pumps, pacifiers, and bottles. Mothers can also develop a Candida infection on their nipples while taking antibiotics or steroids. This infection can then be transferred to their babies while breastfeeding.
According to La Leche League , thrush is a likely culprit when two or more of these symptoms appear:. Thrush can be uncomfortable, but good news is it's totally treatable. Antifungal medications are often prescribed, particularly nystatin.
Breastfeeding moms are usually instructed to use a topical cream, such as miconazole or clotrimazole. That said, it's important both Mom and Baby get on a treatment plan. You'll also need to clean pacifiers, bottles, and breast pump parts thoroughly. When it comes to nursing with thrush, it isn't only possible, it is completely and totally safe. But make sure to consult with your doctor about whether or not you should continue breastfeeding when using any specific medication or wait a bit after applying a topical cream.
Why Do We Get Thrush? One of the common symptoms of thrush is nipple pain. For example: You could experience burning, itching, or stinging pain The pain could be mild or severe The pain may be made worse by wearing clothing which touches your breast The pain is usually still there despite any improvements made to how you attach your baby to the breast The nipples may feel tender to touch Another sign of thrush could be breast pain: This could be stabbing, shooting, burning or described as a deep aching pain You may have the pain in one or both breasts In terms of timing, often, the pain lasts throughout the feed, as well as, after the feed.
Here are a few signs to keep an eye out for: The nipples may be bright pink The areola may be bright pink or darkened, dry or flaky Rarely, there may be a white rash on the areola or breast What Signs of Thrush Might You See in Your Baby? How is Thrush Treated? Sometimes your doctor will prescribe antifungal tablets for you as well in order to clear the infection.
Apply the antifungal cream as directed. Usually you will be advised to spread the cream thinly around your nipples after feeds. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and afterwards. Extra Helpful Tips with Regards to Thrush Hygiene is key to prevent thrush being passed around the family! If anyone else in the family has thrush make sure that is treated correctly and thoroughly.
Ensure you wash your hands very well after every nappy change. Only use your own bath towel; do not share with anyone else. Breastfed babies can also develop thrush in their mouths. Thrush infections sometimes happen when your nipples become cracked or damaged. This means the candida fungus that causes thrush can get into your nipple or breast. Thrush infections can also happen after you or your baby has had a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics may reduce the number of helpful bacteria in the body and allow the candida fungus that causes thrush to flourish.
If you suspect you or your baby has a thrush infection, see your health visitor or GP. They can arrange for swabs to be taken from your nipples and your baby's mouth to see if thrush is present. It's important other causes of breast pain are ruled out before you start treatment for thrush. Talk to your doctor if you have pain during breastfeeding as it may be from other causes.
You and baby may both need to be seen by a doctor to be treated for thrush; sometimes it goes away with at-home treatment but left improperly treated or untreated altogether, thrush could turn into a worse infection such as plugged ducts and mastitis. However, preventing reinfection — or infection in the first place — is something you can do right at home.
Wash all clothes and linens that came into contact with your nipples or with baby. Use hot water with bleach and let them air dry in the sun or set the dryer on hot.
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