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Breastfeeding 101: Treating Thrush
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Source file: wikimedia.org
Thrush can be a pain, but it’s treatable and is not cause to cease breastfeeding.
Symptoms of thrush in the mother:
- Bright red nipples
- Cracked nipples
- Sudden onset of pain while nursing even if baby has good/correct latch that lasts the duration of the session
- Sudden onset of pain while pumping even if pumping correctly that lasts the duration of the session
- You have or recently had a vaginal yeast infection
- Note: Mother’s nipples could also appear normal
Symptom of thrush in the baby:
- White spots in mouth that do not easily wipe off
- Shiny pearl-like coating in baby’s mouth
- Diaper rash that will not respond to treatment (typically bright red and bumpy)
- Fussiness while feeding
- Excessive gassiness (if yeast is in gut)
- Note: Baby may also be symptom free
Treatment:
Nystatin is the most commonly prescribed treatment for thrush. It’s extremely important that you treat yourself and the baby at the same time! You can pass thrush back and forth, so it’s very important to ask for treatment for the other if only one of you is prescribed treatment. Ensure you and baby continue treatment for 1-2 weeks after all symptoms disappear. Because oral Nystatin contains sugar to make it appealing to baby, it’s often ineffective.
Gentian Violet is an over-the-counter remedy that is effective, but stains baby’s mouth and your nipples purple for a few days. Wear old clothing when using this method of treatment so not to permanently stain any “good” clothes.
Grape seed extract can also be very effective and has the least side effects and does not stain. Find out how here to treat with grape seed extract.
Visit KellyMom’s thrush resource page.
It's World Breastfeeding Week! Read more about breastfeeding:
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World Breastfeeding Week 2009: Breastfeeding: A vital emergency response
Breastfeeding help and support LLL Birmingham
Breastmilk contains stem cells
Breastfeeding makes list of top ten cancer preventers
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