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

Understanding Thrush and Breastfeeding
Thrush, a common yeast infection caused by the fungus *Candida albicans*, can affect both breastfeeding mothers and their infants. It often manifests as pain during breastfeeding, and can lead to discomfort for both mother and baby. The question arises: if a mother has thrush, does she need to discard her expressed breast milk?
Can You Keep Expressing Milk?
The good news is that you do not have to throw out your expressed breast milk if you have thrush. While thrush is contagious and can be passed between mother and baby, the milk itself does not inherently become harmful due to the infection. According to health experts, expressed milk can still be given to the baby during treatment for thrush.
However, there are important considerations to keep in mind. The primary concern is the potential for reinfection. If the milk is expressed while the mother has thrush, there is a possibility that the yeast could be present in the milk, which might lead to the baby being reinfected. Therefore, while the milk is not harmful per se, it is crucial to manage the infection effectively.
Managing Thrush While Breastfeeding
If you are experiencing symptoms of thrush, such as nipple pain or a burning sensation during breastfeeding, it is essential to seek treatment. This may include antifungal medications for both the mother and the baby. Continuing to breastfeed during treatment is generally encouraged, as it helps maintain the breastfeeding relationship and provides the baby with essential nutrients.
To minimize the risk of reinfection, mothers should focus on proper hygiene practices. This includes washing hands frequently, sterilizing any breast pump parts, and ensuring that any items that come into contact with the breast or milk are clean.
Conclusion
In summary, while you do not need to discard your expressed breast milk if you have thrush, it is vital to take precautions to prevent reinfection. Consult with a healthcare provider for the best course of action and to ensure both you and your baby remain healthy during this time.

Does thrush make babies fussy?

Oral thrush occurs when a yeast infection is present inside the mouth, and is a common cause of fussy infants. Thrush occurs when a buildup of candida fungus builds up in and around the mouth which can lead to issues while feeding and interfere with other daily routines.

Do you have to dump pumped milk with thrush?

Yes: While you are using medicines for yeast your fresh, refrigerated, or frozen pumped breast milk can be used safely for your baby. Freezing temporarily “shuts off” the yeast, but does not kill it. Be sure to label all milk that you’ve pumped during if you or your baby has thrush/yeast.

Can thrush go away on its own breastfeeding?

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.

What not to do while having thrush?

Avoid using perfumed toilet papers and menstrual products. Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants and synthetic underwear. Consider changing your laundry detergent and don’t use fabric softeners. If you frequently experience thrush after taking antibiotics, seek advice from your GP.

What to do with bottles when baby has thrush?

This must be continued at least 4 days after the thrush is cleared avoid a reoccurrence. Sterilize bottles, nipple, pacifiers and anything baby puts in his/her mouth. Boil them for 20 minutes each day to make sure and kill the yeast that could be on them.

What can be mistaken for breast thrush?

Sometimes, nipple thrush pain is quite similar to other health issues – some of the most popular issues that get mistaken as a yeast infection are:

• Vasospasm/Raynaud’s Phenomenon.
• Micro-fissures due to suboptimal attachment.
• Tongue tie in baby.
• Nipple eczema.
• Bacterial infection (staphylococcus aureus possibly).

Can thrush spread from pumping?

Thrush won’t pass from your baby’s mouth to your nipple. You don’t need to sterilize the parts of your breast pump or your baby’s toys (instead, just follow your normal cleaning routines). Also, you don’t need antifungal treatment at the same time as your baby. These are measures people used to think were necessary.

How to deal with thrush while breastfeeding?

Breast and nipple thrush is treated with antifungal medicine and antifungal nipple gel/creams. Treat any other site of fungal infection in the whole family, i.e. vagina, nappy rash, feet. Keep your nipples dry by frequently changing breast pads as thrush grows well in a moist and warm environment.

Can breast thrush affect milk supply?

The short answer is yes—you can still breastfeed through a thrush infection, although it will probably be frustrating, even painful, for both of you. But because thrush can also affect your milk supply, it’s wise to breastfeed or pump as much as you can tolerate.

Is my milk bad if I have thrush?

According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and several other sources, there is no need to discard milk that was pumped during a presumed thrush infection.