Thrush and Breastfeeding Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
Discover the signs, symptoms, and treatment of thrush, a Candida (Monilia) yeast infection, plus how it affects breast milk and breastfeeding.Medically reviewed by Rebecca Agi, MS, IBCLCMedically reviewed by Rebecca Agi, MS, IBCLCThrush is a common breastfeeding problem. Thrush is a yeast infection that can lead to very damaged, cracked, and painful nipples, a nursing strike, or early weaning and it needs treatment to clear up. While you can take care of some breastfeeding issues on your own, this isn't one of them.With treatment, you and your baby will be feeling better and back to your normal breastfeeding routine in no time. It's important to note that the condition also can spread to other family members. Learn more about thrush infection during breastfeeding.
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What Is Thrush?Thrush is a yeast (fungal) infection that grows and spreads in warm, moist, dark environments. It's caused by the overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida albicans. The infection is also referred to as Monilia, candidiasis, or candidosis.Candida is normally found on and in your body. Usually, it doesn't cause any harm because it is kept in check by good bacteria. However, when there's a change in the healthy balance of bacteria and yeast, Candida can grow and cause problems.One thing that can affect the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in your body is the use of antibiotics. If you or your baby have to take an antibiotic to fight off an infection, it also can kill off some of the body's good bacteria. Then, when there are fewer healthy bacteria around, it leaves an opening for the yeast to grow.You also may be prone to yeast infections if you have diabetes. Additionally, if your breasts leak milk and you use breast pads, the warm, wet pads against your skin can provide another opportunity for yeast to grow.
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Symptoms of Thrush While BreastfeedingMany times, the first indication that you may have thrush is when breastfeeding becomes very painful for you or your baby becomes fussy and refuses to breastfeed. If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of thrush listed below, or if you think that you or your baby have thrush, call a health care provider right away.Breast and nipple pain: Thrush can cause severe nipple pain. If you feel burning, itching, pins-and-needles, a stabbing breast pain, or a pain deep in your breast, you might have thrush.Inflammation (swelling) and irritation: If your nipples and areola are swollen, cracked, chapped, and/or very red, it could indicate a yeast infection. However, note that your nipples and areola may look completely normal.Skin changes: Thrush may make your nipples look shiny or flaky and you may see small blisters or white patches on the skin around your nipples. Is It Thrush?If you have symptoms of thrush, get a thorough diagnosis from a health care provider to be sure you're treating the correct infection. Research shows that thrush is frequently over-diagnosed as the symptoms of mammary candidiasis/thrush overlap with other conditions that may require different treatments.
Signs of Thrush on Your BabyYour baby might show symptoms of thrush if they've been breastfeeding while you have it.Diaper rash: Having a fungal diaper rash is one of the symptoms of thrush. A yeast infection on your baby's bottom looks like a red, bumpy rash.Irritation in your baby's mouth: If your baby has thrush in their mouth, you may not see anything. But, sometimes thrush appears as white patches in your baby's mouth or a white coating on your baby's tongue.
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Breastfeeding With ThrushIf you've just been diagnosed with thrush, you might be nervous about breastfeeding. After all, it's normal to be worried and a little scared about spreading an infection to your baby.But by the time you realize you have it, your child's already been exposed and probably has it, too. Or, it may be that your baby had it first and gave it to you. Still, what does this mean for breastfeeding?Fortunately, you can safely continue to breastfeed if you have thrush. However, there may be a few issues that you'll have to face. Thrush in your baby's mouth may make it painful for them. Your baby also may be fussy and refuse to breastfeed.Also, your nipples and your breasts may hurt a great deal. If you can tolerate the pain, you should continue to breastfeed. But don't feel bad if you need to give your breasts a break while you're undergoing treatment. You can pump to maintain your breast milk supply until you feel well enough to breastfeed again.
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Don't Store Expressed Milk If You Have ThrushEven though it's okay to breastfeed or give your baby expressed milk when you have thrush, you may not want to freeze your breast milk. Candida can live in your breast milk, and even though freezing it will deactivate the yeast, it won't kill it.The safest route is to wait until you finish taking the entire course of medication and you no longer have any symptoms before you begin collecting and freezing your breast milk again.Treating Thrush While BreastfeedingCandida grows and spreads quickly, so it can be hard to get rid of it. Yeast can easily spread to other family members, too. If you think you and your baby have thrush, you need to get treated together. Call your health care provider and your baby's health care provider so that you can get diagnosed and treated quickly. Here is some additional advice to help speed up the healing process.Use medications: Both you and your baby should be treated with medication if either one of you shows symptoms of thrush.Wash your hands: Good hand-washing techniques prevent the spread of many infections including thrush. Wash your hands before and after you touch your breasts, after you use the bathroom, and after you change your baby's diaper.Wash your breasts: Care for your breasts by keeping them clean and dry. After you breastfeed, rinse your nipples with water or a solution of vinegar (one part), and water (four parts) then let them air dry. If you can expose your bare nipples to the sun for a few minutes every day, that's also helpful.Wash your baby's items: To kill the yeast, sanitize all the things that come in contact with your breasts and your baby's mouth. Boil or use hot, soapy water to thoroughly wash pacifiers, bottles, bottle nipples, teethers, toys, and the washable parts of your breast pump each day.Change your breast pads often: If you leave wet breast pads on your breasts, they keep your breasts warm and moist. It's the perfect breeding ground for yeast, so change breast pads whenever they get wet.Keep your nursing bra clean and dry: Wear a clean nursing bra every day and change it if it gets wet. Wash your bra, nursing clothes, pajamas, and bed sheets in hot water or bleach to kill the yeast.Try probiotics: Probiotics are good bacteria. Ask your health care provider about trying a probiotic supplement such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, or you can eat yogurt with active cultures.Limit sugar in your diet: Yeast loves sugar, so if you avoid sugary foods and drinks while you're being treated for thrush, it may help you get rid of the infection more quickly.Protect your breasts: Sometimes the nipple pain can be so bad that it hurts when your bra or clothes rub against your breasts. Breast shells can protect your nipples and relieve that pain while you heal.
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Thrush Medications for Breastfeeding ParentsAntifungal medications are used to treat yeast or fungal infections. Both you and your child will need to take medication, but the medicine that you'll give your child will be different than yours. If necessary, your partner and your other children also may need a prescription.Thrush Medications for Breastfeeding BabiesYour pediatrician may prescribe medications for your baby as well, including the following. It's very important to use the medication exactly as prescribed and for as long as recommended. If you feel better before the course of medication is complete and stop using it, the yeast infection can come back.
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Prognosis for Thrush While BreastfeedingThrush is difficult to conquer as it's extremely contagious, so you can pass it back and forth between you and your baby. It can take a few weeks for the medications to work and completely get rid of the yeast. Plus, yeast may be lurking in areas of your body other than your breasts and your baby's mouth. When these areas are left untreated, the yeast can show up again even after you think you've successfully treated the infection.Yeast also can live on pacifiers and toys so it can quickly spread to your other children. When you're dealing with thrush, it may take a little work to wipe it out. Follow the medication instructions provided for both you and your baby, try to keep up with cleaning all the things that your breasts and your baby's mouth touch, and most of all, be patient. When To Contact a Health Care ProviderIf thrush doesn't seem to be getting better or it keeps coming back, talk to a health care provider or a lactation consultant.
Other skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema can look like thrush. Your health care provider will examine you, investigate your situation further, and reevaluate your treatment plan if thrush appears to be lingering longer than expected. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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