Thrush should i stop breastfeeding

It also can bring a troublesome and painful issue: thrush. Thrush in breastfed babies is a common condition, affecting about one in twenty infants. Breastfeeding moms can develop it, as well. That is, if a mom has thrush, it is likely that her baby does, too, and vice versa. This painful condition can create a significant setback in your breastfeeding journey, so it is essential to know what it is, how to prevent it, and how to treat it. For help with thrush or other kid-related issues, reach out to the team at Balanced Family Natural Medicine.

We can get you and your baby back to good health. Thrush is an infection that occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast. It is a fungal infection that requires treatment. The yeast Candida albicans occurs in our bodies naturally, and typically it stays in check due to the beneficial bacteria and yeast that also exists there. It lives in our digestive tracts and on our skin and usually does not cause any problems.

But if something disrupts the balance between good and bad bacteria and yeast, such as the use of antibiotics, an overgrowth can occur. Too much candida is the same culprit responsible for vaginal yeast infections and some diaper rashes on babies.

During vaginal deliveries, yeast from the mom often passes to the baby. This is why thrush is most common in infants. It usually takes hold during the birth process. It is painful and can disrupt their ability to nurse. Because thrush can spread swiftly, it is vital to respond with medication quickly. If you notice the following symptoms in your baby, make an appointment to see the pediatrician:. And for you mamas, if you experience any of these symptoms, get in to see your doctor right away:.

There are several options for treating thrush in breastfed babies and their moms. Be sure to get to the doctor swiftly for the most effective treatment. Because of the contagious nature of thrush, it is likely the doctor will treat both of you, even if you do not both have symptoms yet. The most common treatments include:. Breast and nipple thrush Breast and nipple thrush a fungal infection may occur in the first weeks after birth, but can develop at any time.

Signs and symptoms include: Severe, burning nipple pain for the entire breastfeed — correct attachment does not alter the pain. Burning nipple pain is continuous, not just during feeds. There may be sharp, shooting, burning, stabbing or radiating pain throughout the breast.

The nipples may be a brighter pink than normal and may be shiny. They may, however, look normal. Treating thrush — mother Treatment includes: Nipple and breast thrush is treated with antifungal medicine and antifungal nipple gel or creams. Antifungal gels and creams include nystatin, clotrimazole and miconazole. These are applied to the nipple after each feed. Oral antifungal treatment such as fluconazole may also be used.

Air the nipples or go without a bra. Change breast pads frequently to keep your nipples dry. Good hygiene — wash your hands after touching your breasts, using the toilet or changing nappies. Vaginal antifungal pessaries, if you also have vaginal thrush. It is advisable to consult your doctor.

Wash bras and nursing pads and towels separately from nappies in hot soapy water and dry all of them in the sun where possible. If you or your baby have been diagnosed with thrush you will both need to be treated. Treating thrush — baby Treatment includes: Nystatin liquid or miconazole gel for oral thrush. Antifungal ointments for thrush around the buttocks. If you use dummies or teats these should be washed thoroughly after use and sterilised either by using a steam steriliser or by placing the dummies and teats in boiling water for 5 minutes.

If possible, replace the dummies and teats weekly if you or your baby has thrush. Bacterial infection of the nipples Research has found that a bacterial infection of the nipples can be mistakenly diagnosed as nipple thrush or may be present in conjunction with thrush. Dermatitis skin irritation around the nipple Dermatitis around the nipple and areola can be caused by: Ointments and creams you are using on the nipples — stop using them if you develop dermatitis. Detergents used to wash your bra, breast pads or undergarments — use pure soap, rinse well and dry in the sun.

Sensitivity to soaps or shampoo. Reaction to the fabric of your bra or bra pads — it may be helpful to go without a bra. Sensitivity to the moisture-absorbing gel in some disposable nursing pads. Nipple eczema can cause considerable pain Eczema may occur on the nipple and areola. Mastitis and breastfeeding Mastitis means inflammation of the breast.

Symptoms of mastitis Mastitis causes the breast or parts of the breast to become: tender or painful hot reddened hard and swollen. Other symptoms can include: The skin may appear tight and shiny, and be streaked with red. Engorgement of your breast due to a missed feed or delaying a feed. A tight or ill-fitting bra or consistently lying in one position during sleep.

Holding your breast too tightly during feeding. Trauma such as a kick from a toddler or pressure from a seatbelt. Using a nipple shield. Previous or recurrent blocked ducts. Nipple trauma caused by incorrect attachment of the baby during feeds. Interrupting feeds, cutting feeds short, by limiting feed times. The use of nipple creams, which can harbour bacteria. Secondary infection like thrush. Preventing mastitis To help prevent mastitis: Mothers and midwives should thoroughly wash their hands before touching the breasts after a nappy change.

Make sure the baby is positioned and attached properly on the breast to assist in thorough breastmilk drainage. Avoid long periods between feeds. Feed frequently. Avoid skipping feeds, if replacing a breastfeed with a bottle, express to avoid blocked milk ducts or a reduction in your breastmilk supply.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bras, if worn, should be properly fitted. Avoid nipple creams, ointments and prolonged use of nipple pads. If the mother has been unwell, see a GP to rule out anaemia. Options include: Making sure the baby is feeding well on the affected breast — offering the affected breast first can help. The application of heat for a few minutes before a feed, gentle massage of the affected area during feeding, and cold packs after a feed and between feeds for comfort.

A change in feeding position. Frequent drainage of the breast using breast compression through breastfeeding and expressing. Some cases of oral thrush may resolve without treatment, but treating the condition is the only way you can be assured of breaking the reinfection cycle.

Your doctor will diagnose oral thrush by gently scraping any lesions found inside the mouth and examining them under a microscope. To diagnose thrush on the breasts, your doctor will examine your breasts and asking about your symptoms. You may also need a blood test to rule out other types of infection. Your doctor may also want to rule out problems which might be causing you breast pain, such as improper latching, before making a diagnosis.

Thrush can be treated with antifungal medication. Your doctor may prescribe a topical antifungal cream to apply to your breasts, such as miconazole cream Lotrimin, Cruex. Some topical antifungals are appropriate for oral use, but others will need to be cleaned off your breast prior to letting your baby nurse. If you have diabetes, your doctor will want to make sure your blood sugar is under control. If the infection is causing pain, talk to your doctor about the types of pain medication you can use while breastfeeding.

Your baby will be given an oral gel that you can apply to the inside of their mouth. Most oral gels are not readily absorbed by breast tissue, so make sure you get and use your own prescription, too. Thrush may reduce your milk supply. It may also be harder to breastfeed while you and your baby are experiencing symptoms. However, you can continue to breastfeed during treatment. Continuing to breastfeed can help maintain your milk supply.

It can take up to two weeks for thrush to dissipate completely. Make sure you take all of your medication and practice good hygiene to avoid having a recurrence. Also toss out any milk you expressed and stored while you were infected. Thrush is very contagious and can pass between a breastfeeding mother and a nursing infant.

Topical or oral medications can eliminate thrush. Good hygiene and healthy habits can also make it harder to spread. Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection of the mouth. Oral thrush is usually treated with antifungal medications, but home remedies can….

Learn how oral thrush spreads and what you can do to prevent this infection. If you experience itchy nipples while breast-feeding, it could indicate a thrush infection in either you or your baby.

Diaper rash is a common irritation that can usually be treated at home.