Coping With Thrush While Breastfeeding

Thrush is a fungal infection inside your baby’s mouth that can also spread to the breast. This causes your nipples to itch and feel sore – very unpleasant!  

The symptoms of thrush in a baby include having white patches in the mouth that are not easily removed, and a pimply looking rash covering the genital area, in the folds of the thighs, and along the buttocks – any place covered by a diaper.  

The mother’s symptoms include cracked nipples, pain in the breast during or after feeding, itchy or burning nipples, and possibly a vaginal yeast infection. Candida albicans, which cases thrush, is a normally occurring fungus in the body; part of the digestive system. It is usually kept in check by healthy bacteria. Breastfeeding, however, creates the perfect environment for thrush to thrive – a moist, warm, sugary environment. If the mother eats a lot of sugary foods, doesn’t rest well, is stressed or taking antibiotics, it may encourage the growth of this bacteria which leads to infection. 

If you suspect that either your child or you have thrush, don’t attempt to treat it on your own.  Set up an appointment with your doctor and have them make the diagnosis. If thrush is confirmed, the doctor will treat both mother and child to prevent the condition from being passed back and forth between the two. 

Normal treatment includes an antifungal ointment to apply to the nipple and areola after breastfeeding. The doctor will most likely also recommend that you thoroughly rinse the breasts with water and allow them to air-dry prior to putting on the ointment. It is advised to wash all bras and nursing pads in hot, soapy water each day. If you are also pumping, make sure to boil all pump parts for 20 minutes each day. Wash and dry your hands carefully after breastfeeding and after changing every diaper.

For the baby, you should rinse her mouth with water after each feeding. Apply the antifungal ointment directly to the lesions in the mouth. If there is diaper rash, use the ointment on the diaper rash as well. This treatment should be given after each feed for three days, or as directed by your doctor. After that, skip every other feed until ten days’ treatment has been given. If your baby uses a pacifier, boil it for 20 minutes each day, just like the breast pump parts. 

Do you need to stop breastfeeding? Absolutely not! This may be one of many breastfeeding woes, but thrush should not keep you from breastfeeding. It may be painful, but the treatment is the same for both of you. Try to grin and bear the pain – with proper treatment it will clear up very soon.

You might also be interested in:

Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum

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AV Baby content is for information only. If you are at all worried about your baby, please seek the advice of your midwife, doctor or paediatrician.

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