How do I know if I have thrush while breastfeeding?

Understanding Thrush While Breastfeeding
Thrush, a common yeast infection caused by the Candida fungus, can significantly impact breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of thrush is crucial for effective management and treatment, ensuring both mother and baby can continue their breastfeeding journey comfortably.
Symptoms of Thrush in Breastfeeding Mothers
If you suspect you might have thrush while breastfeeding, pay attention to the following key symptoms:
1. Nipple Pain: One of the most prominent signs of thrush is sharp, burning pain in the nipples during or after breastfeeding. This pain may be persistent and can sometimes feel like a deep ache.
2. Itching or Irritation: You may experience itching or a rash on the nipples or surrounding areas. This discomfort can be exacerbated during feeding sessions.
3. Changes in Nipple Appearance: Look for shiny, red, or cracked nipples. The skin may appear flaky or have a white coating, which can indicate a fungal infection.
4. Breast Pain: In addition to nipple pain, some women report pain in the breast tissue itself, which can feel like a deep, throbbing discomfort.
5. Symptoms in the Baby: If your baby shows signs of thrush, such as white patches in the mouth or diaper rash that doesn’t improve, it may indicate that the infection has been transmitted between mother and child.
Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis
It’s important to note that nipple thrush is often misdiagnosed. Many causes of nipple and breast pain exist, and a thorough evaluation by a skilled breastfeeding supporter or healthcare provider is essential to rule out other conditions before concluding that thrush is the cause.
Continuing to Breastfeed
If you are diagnosed with thrush, you can still breastfeed while undergoing treatment. It’s crucial to maintain breastfeeding to prevent further complications and to help your baby receive the necessary nutrients. However, both mother and baby may need treatment to eliminate the infection effectively.
Treatment Options
Treatment typically involves antifungal medications for both the mother and the baby. Common options include topical treatments for the nipples and oral medications for the baby. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as sanitizing breastfeeding equipment and avoiding tight clothing, can help prevent the spread and recurrence of thrush.
Conclusion
If you suspect you have thrush while breastfeeding, it’s vital to monitor your symptoms closely and consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help alleviate discomfort and ensure a smoother breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby.

What kills thrush on nipples?

Medications for the nursing parent:
The most effective treatment for topical thrush is Miconazole (Daktarin) cream (2%), which should be applied to the nipple in small amounts after every feed. In mild cases, expect improvement within a couple of days. In more severe cases, it may take 3 to 5 days or longer.

Can breast thrush heal on its own?

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.

Can you save breastmilk when you 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. Freezing deactivates yeast, but does not kill it, so label all milk pumped and frozen during a thrush outbreak.

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).

Will thrush go away on its own?

If thrush isn’t treated it eventually goes away on its own. There’s no need for your partner(s) to have treatment unless they have signs and symptoms of thrush.

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.

Is it thrush or just sore nipples?

Signs of thrush in breastfeeding women
You may have a thrush infection in your breasts if: you start to feel pain in both nipples or breasts after feeds, having previously had no pain after feeding. the pain can range from sore to severe and lasts for up to an hour after every feed.

How do you treat thrush while breastfeeding?

Miconazole 2% Cream for surface thrush. Best practice is to apply a small amount sparingly to the nipple and areola after every feed rather than the licensed twice daily treatment.

How to tell the difference between thrush and milk tongue?

It can be challenging to distinguish between the two. To tell the difference, a parent or caregiver can try gently wiping the white film off the newborn’s tongue using a warm, damp cloth. If the white coating wipes away, it is likely milk residue.

What does breastfeeding thrush feel like?

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. Your nipples may be tender to touch and even light clothing can cause pain. Breast thrush pain can vary.