How can I prevent thrush while breastfeeding?

Understanding Thrush in Breastfeeding
Thrush, a common yeast infection caused by the fungus *Candida albicans*, can affect both breastfeeding mothers and their infants. This condition is particularly concerning during breastfeeding, as it can lead to discomfort and complications for both parties. The infection is highly contagious, meaning it can easily be transmitted between mother and baby, making prevention strategies essential for nursing mothers.
Key Prevention Strategies
To effectively prevent thrush while breastfeeding, consider the following strategies:
1. Maintain Good Hygiene:
Keeping both your breasts and your baby’s mouth clean is crucial. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after breastfeeding, and ensure that any breast pumps or feeding bottles are sterilized properly. This reduces the risk of introducing yeast into the mouth or onto the skin.
2. Monitor Latching Techniques:
Improper latching can lead to nipple damage, creating an environment conducive to thrush. Ensure that your baby is latching on correctly to minimize trauma to the nipples. If you’re unsure about the latch, consulting a lactation expert can provide valuable guidance.
3. Avoid Moisture Build-Up:
Thrush thrives in warm, moist environments. After breastfeeding, allow your nipples to air dry and consider using breast pads that wick moisture away from the skin. If you notice any signs of moisture accumulation, change the pads frequently to keep the area dry.
4. Limit Antibiotic Use:
Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the body, potentially leading to thrush. If antibiotics are necessary, discuss with your healthcare provider about ways to mitigate the risk of developing thrush, such as taking probiotics.
5. Watch for Symptoms:
Being vigilant about the signs of thrush can help in early detection and treatment. Symptoms in mothers may include persistent nipple pain, itching, or a burning sensation during or after breastfeeding. In infants, look for white patches in the mouth or on the tongue. Early intervention can prevent the infection from worsening and spreading.
6. Consider Dietary Adjustments:
Some mothers find that reducing sugar intake can help prevent thrush, as yeast thrives on sugar. A balanced diet that limits sugary foods may contribute to a lower risk of developing this infection.
Conclusion
Preventing thrush while breastfeeding requires a proactive approach that includes good hygiene practices, proper latching techniques, and awareness of symptoms. By implementing these strategies, mothers can significantly reduce their risk of developing thrush, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable breastfeeding experience for both themselves and their babies. If thrush does occur, it is important to seek treatment promptly to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.

How do you clean a baby’s mouth to prevent thrush?

Cleaning a newborn’s mouth and tongue

1. Dip a gauze- or cloth-covered finger into the warm water.
2. Gently open your baby’s mouth, and then lightly rub their tongue in a circular motion using the cloth or gauze.
3. Softly rub your finger over your baby’s gums and on the inside of their cheeks, too.

Are breastfed babies more likely to get thrush?

Babies are more susceptible to oral thrush because they don’t have a fully developed immune system. Thrush is also highly contagious. Breastfeeding mothers and babies can get into an ongoing cycle of reinfecting each other through feeding. It’s important that both mom and baby get treated when infection occurs.

How to avoid getting thrush when breastfeeding?

How To Help Prevent The Spread Of Thrush

• Good, regular hand washing, especially after the toilet!
• Keep nipples dry and avoid breast pads if possible, otherwise, change them regularly
• Use disposable for once-off use only or change reusable every feed and wash in high temperature and wear clean
• Breathable cotton bras

What is the number one cause of oral thrush?

Weakened immunity.
Oral thrush is more likely in babies and older adults due to lower immunity. Some medical conditions and treatments can weaken your immune system. They include cancer and its treatments, an organ transplant, medicines that weaken the immune system, and HIV / AIDS .

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.

How to treat thrush naturally for breastfeeding?

Rince your nipples with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vinegar in 1 cup water (250 ml), every hour for a 24-hour period. Oil of oregano and pure coconut oil are other treatments that may be helpful. Please consult your health care professional to find how to use these products.

Why does my breastfed baby keep getting thrush?

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.

How to avoid getting thrush?

How to prevent thrush

1. use a soap substitute (emollient) to add moisture instead of soap – these are available in some pharmacies.
2. use non-soap bath additives such as unfragranced bath oil instead of bubble bath.
3. dry properly after washing.
4. wear cotton underwear.
5. avoid sex until thrush has cleared up if sex is uncomfortable.

How to prevent your baby from getting thrush?

Prevention

1. If you bottle feed your baby, clean and sterilize all equipment, including nipples.
2. Clean and sterilize pacifiers and other toys that go in your baby’s mouth.
3. Change diapers often to help prevent yeast from causing diaper rash.
4. Be sure to treat your nipples if you have a yeast infection.