How do babies get oral thrush while breastfeeding?

Understanding Oral Thrush in Breastfeeding Babies
Oral thrush, a common fungal infection in infants, is primarily caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans. This condition can occur in babies for several reasons, particularly during breastfeeding, and understanding its transmission is crucial for new parents.
How Oral Thrush Develops
Babies can develop oral thrush when the balance of microorganisms in their mouths is disrupted, allowing the Candida yeast to proliferate. This disruption can be influenced by several factors, including:
– Immature Immune System: Newborns have developing immune systems that may not effectively control yeast growth, making them more susceptible to infections like thrush.
– Antibiotic Use: If a baby or breastfeeding mother has taken antibiotics, it can disturb the natural flora in the mouth and gut, leading to an overgrowth of yeast.
– Poor Latching: If a baby does not latch properly during breastfeeding, it can create conditions that favor yeast growth, such as irritation or trauma to the nipple and surrounding areas.
Transmission Between Mother and Baby
Oral thrush is highly contagious and can easily be transmitted between a breastfeeding mother and her baby. The infection can spread through direct contact, such as when a baby suckles at the breast. If the baby has thrush, the yeast can be transferred to the mother’s nipples, potentially leading to a painful condition known as nipple thrush.
Moreover, thrush can also be transmitted through indirect contact. For instance, if a mother touches her baby’s pacifier or wipes drool from the baby’s mouth and then touches her own skin, the yeast can be transferred in this manner. This reciprocal transmission highlights the importance of hygiene practices for both mothers and babies.
Symptoms and Signs
For babies, oral thrush typically presents as white patches in the mouth, which may resemble cottage cheese. These patches can be painful and may cause discomfort during feeding, leading to fussiness or difficulty in latching. In some cases, babies may not show any signs of discomfort, making it harder for parents to recognize the condition early.
For mothers, symptoms of nipple thrush can include sharp pain during breastfeeding, itching, or a burning sensation on the nipples. If untreated, this can lead to a cycle of reinfection between mother and baby.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent oral thrush, maintaining good hygiene is essential. This includes regularly sterilizing pacifiers, bottles, and breast pump parts, as well as ensuring that both mother and baby practice good oral hygiene. If thrush does occur, it is important to seek treatment promptly. Antifungal medications are commonly prescribed for both the baby and the mother to break the cycle of infection.
In conclusion, while oral thrush is a common issue for breastfeeding infants, understanding its causes, transmission, and treatment can help parents manage and prevent this uncomfortable condition effectively.

What causes oral thrush in breastfed babies?

Oral thrush is a common problem in newborn babies. It is caused by a yeast called Candida that is found everywhere in our environment and on our body. Babies pick up Candida from their mothers during the birth process. Some babies develop oral thrush, while others have diaper rash, or both.

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.

How did my newborn get oral thrush?

Oral thrush is a common problem in newborn babies. It is caused by a yeast called Candida that is found everywhere in our environment and on our body. Babies pick up Candida from their mothers during the birth process. Some babies develop oral thrush, while others have diaper rash, or both.

How to avoid getting thrush while breastfeeding?

Clean teats and dummies thoroughly after use and boil for five minutes. Replace weekly if possible. To prevent the spread of thrush, wash your hands thoroughly after nappy changes and before and after applying any creams/lotions. Wash towels, bras, cloth nursing pads etc.

How to prevent infant 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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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. Oral thrush is not usually due to poor hygiene and it does not usually mean that your baby is ill in any other way.