Thrush is a yeast infection that is present inside the baby's mouth. It presents itself as white patches that looks like milk curds. These cannot be removed or brushed away without causing bleeding. Yeast on the nipple does not always present visual symptoms--it is unusual to see white patches or a redness on the nipple, although it is possible.
Disclaimer:I am not a physician and the content on this page is not intended to diagnose or treat. It is merely information I have picked up and would like to share with others. Please see a physician or certified Lactation Consultant for help with specific problems.
The most obvious symptom is usually breast and nipple pain. Other symptoms can include: severly sore nipples after a period of pain-free breastfeeding, pain described as intense and burning, which is radiating through the breast during or after feeds.
Yeast infections are often associated with the following:
* diabetes
* illness
* pregnancy
* oral contraceptve use
* poor diet
* mastitis
* antibiotic therapy
* steroid therapy
* immunosuppression
* vaginal yeast infection
* nipple damage early in lactation
* local factors such as obesity or excessive sweating, which provide a constantly warm, moist area where Candida can thrive
Treatment of a yeast infection:
* The baby's mouth and mother's nipples must be treated simultaneously even if only one has symptoms
* treat other sites of infection as well
* Treat with an antifungal topical solution such as nystatin (often the first treatment suggested) or over-the-counter topicals which are generally more effective.
These include--Clotrimazole 1%, miconazole nitrate 2%, and gentian violet 0.5%.
Prescription topicals that are generally more effective include Ketoconazole 2%, Ciclopirox 1%, and naftifine hydrochloride.
Treatment of an oral yeast infection in a baby:
* rinse his mouth with water after breastfeeding.
* Shake and pour an antifungal agent into a cup and apply to all surfaces with a cotton swab.
* Never re-use a swab and never dip it twice into the original vial of nystatin.
Treatment of the mother's nipples:
* Rinse with a solution of one cup of plain, tepid water with one tablespoon of vinegar
* Air dry
* Apply an antifungal cream
* Change breast pads at least as often as every feed
Oral antifungals such as fluconazole and ketoconazole may be used for a yeast infection that does not respond to topicals.
Stopping the spread of yeast:
* Wash hands well before and after diapering, using the toilet, and breastfeeding.
* Boil anything coming in contact with the mother's breast or the baby's mouth once a day for at least 20 minutes--includes the mother's bra, breast pump parts, baby's pacifier, bottle nipples, and teething rings.
* Discard bottle nipples, pacifiers and teethers after one week.
* Use the mother's fresh milk--do not use frozenmilk because freezing doesnot kill Candida
* Clean toys thoroughly with hot soapy water
* Launder the family's clothing in very hot water
* alter the mother's diet by decreasing her intake of dairy products and sugars and increasing her intake of acidophilus, garlic, zinc, and vitamin B if there is a persistant yeast infection
