Are breastfed babies more likely to get thrush?

Understanding Thrush in Breastfed Babies
Thrush, a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, can affect both infants and breastfeeding mothers. The question of whether breastfed babies are more likely to develop thrush is nuanced, as the condition can be transmitted between mother and child during breastfeeding.
Prevalence of Thrush in Infants
Research indicates that thrush is relatively common among infants, affecting approximately one in twenty babies. This prevalence is particularly notable in breastfed infants, as the close physical contact during feeding can facilitate the transmission of the yeast from the baby’s mouth to the mother’s breast and vice versa. The intimate nature of breastfeeding creates an environment where thrush can thrive, especially if either party has a compromised immune system or if there are other risk factors present.
Transmission Dynamics
The transmission of thrush can occur in several ways. For instance, if a baby has oral thrush, it can easily spread to the mother’s nipples during breastfeeding. Additionally, thrush can be transmitted through indirect contact, such as changing diapers or sharing pacifiers. This reciprocal relationship means that if a mother develops thrush, it is likely that her baby may also be affected, creating a cycle that can be challenging to break.
Symptoms and Impact on Breastfeeding
For breastfeeding mothers, thrush can manifest as nipple and breast pain, which can complicate the breastfeeding experience. Symptoms may include sharp pain during or after feeds, and the appearance of white patches on the nipples. Despite the discomfort, it is generally advised that mothers continue to breastfeed while undergoing treatment for thrush, as this can help maintain milk supply and provide comfort to the baby.
Prevention and Management
To mitigate the risk of thrush, both mothers and babies should practice good hygiene. This includes washing hands frequently, sterilizing pacifiers, and ensuring that any items that come into contact with the baby’s mouth are clean. If thrush does occur, antifungal treatments are available and can be effective in managing the infection.
In conclusion, while breastfed babies are not inherently more likely to get thrush, the dynamics of breastfeeding can facilitate its transmission. Awareness of the symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options is crucial for mothers to navigate this common challenge effectively.

Do I have to throw out breast milk if I have thrush?

While you and baby are being treated for yeast, your refrigerated, fresh, or milk frozen during thrush treatment can be used safely for baby.

How to tell if it’s thrush or milk tongue?

After washing and drying your hands, dampen a clean piece of gauze with lukewarm water. Wrap it around your finger and gently wipe your child’s tongue. If the residue comes off easily, your child likely has milk tongue and not thrush.

Can I store breastmilk while I have thrush?

Breast Milk
While you and baby are being treated for yeast, your refrigerated, fresh, or milk frozen during thrush treatment can be used safely for baby.

What are the main causes of thrush in babies?

Thrush is common during the early months of life. It’s caused by a yeast infection in the mouth. Most often, it’s due to prolonged sucking. Thrush causes only mild discomfort.

How can I prevent oral thrush while breastfeeding?

Here are some things you and everyone else in your household should do to stop thrush spreading:

1. wash hands thoroughly, especially after nappy changes.
2. use separate towels.
3. wash and sterilise dummies, teats and any toys your baby may put in their mouth.
4. change your breast pads often.

Is thrush common in breastfed babies?

Breastfed babies can also develop thrush in their mouths. Thrush infections sometimes happen when your nipples become cracked or damaged. This means the candida fungus that causes thrush can get into your nipple or breast. Thrush infections can also happen after you or your baby has had a course of antibiotics.

Why does my breastfed baby keep getting oral thrush?

It can also affect babies if they have been recently treated with antibiotics. If you have been breastfeeding and have recently had antibiotics, then your own healthy bacteria can be affected making you more at risk of thrush infection. This infection can then be passed on to your baby during breastfeeding.

How do you prevent thrush in newborns?

Preventing thrush altogether

• Wash your hands.
• Keep anything that comes in contact with your baby’s mouth and your breasts clean.
• Change your nursing bra and breast pads regularly.
• Add probiotics or yogurt to your daily diet.
• Let “the girls” hang out to dry after nursing.

Is thrush in babies caused by poor hygiene?

It is more common in babies younger than 10 weeks, but older babies can also get it. Some babies have repeat episodes of it. Oral thrush is rarely due to poor hygiene. It is unlikely to mean that your baby is ill in any other way.

Is it better to spit or swallow nystatin?

Put the medicine in your mouth. Keep it in your mouth for at least 30 seconds if possible, swilling it around your mouth like a mouthwash before you swallow it. Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking it. This stops you washing the medicine out of your mouth too soon.