Thrush, a form of yeast infection, can manifest in breastfed infants and on the nipples of breastfeeding mothers. It stems from an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus naturally present in the digestive system and on the skin. While Candida typically coexists harmlessly, uncontrolled proliferation can lead to thrush.
Breastfeeding women may experience thrush affecting their nipples, areolas, and breasts, resulting in considerable discomfort, especially if nipples are cracked. The likelihood of thrush in breasts may increase with concurrent vaginal yeast infections.
Infants being breastfed can develop oral thrush, characterized by the presence of thrush in their mouths and on their tongues. Oral thrush in babies can cause discomfort, leading to fussiness or feeding difficulties. It’s prevalent among infants below six months of age.
What are the symptoms of thrush?
Thrush affecting the breasts can lead to discomfort during and after breastfeeding, with some women experiencing severe pain.
The pain may localize in the nipples or extend behind the areolas, sometimes spreading throughout the entire breast for up to an hour post-nursing.
Other symptoms may include:
- Itching sensation in the nipples
- Nipples and areolas appearing pale or displaying white patches
- Temporary or persistent burning feeling in the nipples
- Shiny skin around the nipples
- Presence of flakes on the nipples and areolas
In infants, oral thrush symptoms may include:
- White, milky-looking patches on the gums, tongue, inner cheeks, and tonsils, which may bleed when touched
- Irritated, red skin inside the mouth
- Cracked skin in the corners of the mouth
- Persistent diaper rash
What causes thrush?
Thrush can stem from an overgrowth of Candida, a situation where the body’s healthy bacteria fail to control the fungus. This imbalance can occur due to a weakened or immature immune system, making infants more vulnerable to oral thrush.
Moreover, thrush is highly contagious, creating a cycle of reinfection between breastfeeding mothers and babies during feeding. Effective treatment for both is crucial to break this cycle.
When dealing with thrush, it’s essential to recognize that the bacteria can spread through various means, including contact with:
- Hands
- Nursing bras
- Nursing pads
- Clothing
- Towels
- Burp cloths
Similarly, if the baby has thrush, items they put in their mouth, such as pacifiers, teething rings, and bottle nipples, should be sterilized to prevent transmission.
During feeding sessions, oral thrush from the baby can transmit to the mother’s breasts. Additionally, changing the baby’s diapers could expose the mother to the fungus if it’s present in the stool.
Furthermore, having a vaginal yeast infection may heighten the risk of developing thrush on the breasts.
Certain medications, like antibiotics, corticosteroids, and specific cancer drugs, can also contribute to thrush by disrupting healthy bacterial balance. Individuals with diabetes, characterized by high blood sugar levels, face an elevated risk of yeast overgrowth and subsequent thrush compared to those without the condition.
When to seek help
If there’s a suspicion of thrush in either you or your baby, seeking medical attention is crucial. While some instances of oral thrush might resolve without intervention, treating the condition is essential to break the cycle of reinfection.
Your doctor will typically diagnose oral thrush by gently scraping any lesions present inside the mouth and examining them under a microscope. For infants, a pediatrician might also inspect the diaper area to check for thrush spreading to other parts of the body.
In cases of suspected thrush on the breasts, your doctor will examine your breasts and inquire about your symptoms. Additionally, a blood test might be necessary to rule out other forms of infection.
Before arriving at a diagnosis, your doctor may also investigate potential causes of breast pain, such as improper latching during breastfeeding. This comprehensive approach ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How is thrush treated?
Thrush is typically treated with antifungal medication. Your doctor might prescribe a topical antifungal cream like miconazole cream (Lotrimin, Cruex) to apply to your breasts.
While some topical antifungals are safe for oral use, others require cleaning off your breast before nursing. It’s important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure the safety of the cream for your baby.
Additionally, you may receive an antifungal medication in pill form as part of your treatment plan.
For individuals with diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels is crucial. Even without diabetes, your doctor might advise reducing sugar intake, including refined carbohydrates, until the infection clears.
If the infection causes discomfort, discuss suitable pain relief options with your doctor that are safe during breastfeeding.
Your baby will likely be prescribed an oral gel for application inside the mouth. Since most oral gels are not readily absorbed by breast tissue, it’s essential to obtain and use your own prescription as well.
How long does it take to recover from thrush?
Thrush can potentially decrease your milk supply and make breastfeeding more challenging while you and your baby are symptomatic. However, it’s possible to continue breastfeeding during treatment, which can help sustain your milk production.
Complete resolution of thrush may take up to two weeks. It’s important to adhere to your medication regimen and maintain good hygiene practices to minimize the risk of recurrence. Additionally, any milk expressed and stored during the infection should be discarded to prevent reinfection.
How to prevent thrush
To help prevent thrush, consider implementing these strategies:
- Wash your hands frequently, particularly after breastfeeding and diaper changes.
- Aim to reduce stress levels, as high and prolonged stress can weaken the immune system.
- Maintain a balanced diet and minimize sugar consumption, as excessive sugar intake can contribute to thrush.
- Sterilize items that your baby frequently puts in their mouth, such as pacifiers and teething toys.
- Keep your nipples dry between feedings by allowing them to air dry for several minutes after breastfeeding. Consider remaining topless during this time if feasible.
- Opt for breast pads without plastic liners, as liners can trap moisture, increasing susceptibility to thrush.
- Boost levels of beneficial bacteria by consuming yogurt daily or taking probiotics or Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements. These can help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body.
Conclusion
Managing thrush while breastfeeding requires a multifaceted approach that combines medical treatment, hygiene practices, and lifestyle adjustments. By promptly seeking medical attention for diagnosis and treatment, mothers and babies can effectively address thrush and prevent its recurrence. Moreover, implementing preventive measures such as maintaining good hand hygiene, minimizing stress, and reducing sugar intake can help mitigate the risk of thrush development.
Ensuring proper nipple care, sterilizing baby items, and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria through dietary choices further contribute to the management of thrush during breastfeeding. With diligence and proactive measures, mothers can navigate thrush challenges and continue to nurture their babies through breastfeeding with confidence and comfort.
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