How common is thrush in breastfeeding?

Understanding Thrush in Breastfeeding
Thrush, a common yeast infection caused by the Candida fungus, can significantly impact breastfeeding mothers and their infants. This condition is particularly prevalent among breastfeeding women, with estimates suggesting that it affects a notable percentage of nursing mothers at some point during their breastfeeding journey.
Prevalence and Transmission
Thrush is highly contagious and can easily be transmitted between mother and baby. This means that if a baby develops thrush, it can lead to the mother experiencing symptoms as well, and vice versa. The infection often manifests as white patches in the baby’s mouth or as painful, itchy sensations in the mother’s nipples and breasts.
While exact statistics on the prevalence of thrush in breastfeeding mothers can vary, it is recognized as a common breastfeeding issue. Many healthcare providers report that thrush can occur when a baby is not latching properly, which can create an environment conducive to the growth of yeast.
Symptoms and Impact
For mothers, symptoms of thrush can include nipple pain, itching, and a burning sensation during or after breastfeeding. In some cases, the pain can be severe enough to discourage continued breastfeeding, leading to concerns about the baby’s nutrition and the mother’s well-being. For infants, thrush may present as white patches in the mouth, which can make feeding uncomfortable for them as well.
Despite the discomfort associated with thrush, it is important to note that mothers can continue to breastfeed while undergoing treatment. This is crucial not only for the baby’s nutrition but also for maintaining the breastfeeding relationship.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment for thrush typically involves antifungal medications for both the mother and the baby to eliminate the infection. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as sterilizing feeding equipment and ensuring proper latch techniques, can help prevent the recurrence of thrush.
In summary, thrush is a common and manageable condition for breastfeeding mothers. Awareness of its symptoms and proactive measures can help mitigate its impact, allowing mothers and babies to continue their breastfeeding journey with greater comfort and success.

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).

How to tell if you have thrush while breastfeeding?

Signs of thrush

1. a burning pain in your nipples, especially after every feed.
2. itchy nipples that mat be sensitive to touch.
3. flaking and/or shiny skin on the nipple or areola – nipple skin and areola may be red on lighter skin and darker brown, purple or grey on darker skin.

How do you clean your nipples to prevent thrush?

Strategies to keep your nipples and breasts dry include: Wash and towel dry. Rinsing your skin and drying the area around and under your breasts after sweating or after breastfeeding the baby may help reduce nipple thrush symptoms or prevent its return.

What kills thrush on nipples?

Breast or nipple thrush is treated with antifungal tablets and creams. You also need to treat thrush in your baby and any other fungal infection in you or your family members. Thrush in your baby’s mouth is treated using an oral gel or drops.

How do I know if I have thrush while breastfeeding?

Symptoms. The most common symptom is nipple pain or breast pain, or both. Nipple thrush pain is often described as burning, itching, or stinging and may be mild to severe. The pain is usually ongoing and doesn’t go away with improved positioning and attachment of your baby to the breast.

What percentage of babies get thrush?

Thrush is caused by the Candida yeast and occurs in 5 percent of healthy newborns. Thrush is generally a harmless superficial yeast infection, occurring mainly in the first two months of an infant’s life. Occasionally, it may occur later if there is antibiotic use or excessive mouth friction with a nipple or pacifier.

How common is breastfeeding thrush?

Thrush is a common breastfeeding problem. 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 does a baby with thrush act like?

They are found on the insides of a baby’s cheeks, tongue and gums. These patches will not wipe off and may become red and raw if you try to wipe them off. If there are many of these patches, your baby may have pain while sucking and will not drink as well.

How can I prevent thrush in my breastfed baby?

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

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.