How to prevent a newborn from getting thrush?

Understanding Thrush in Newborns
Thrush, a common oral yeast infection caused by the Candida fungus, can affect newborns and infants, leading to discomfort and feeding difficulties. While thrush is typically easy to treat, preventing its occurrence is crucial for both the baby’s comfort and the mother’s peace of mind. Here’s a detailed look at effective strategies to prevent thrush in newborns.
Key Prevention Strategies
1. Maintain Good Hygiene Practices
One of the most effective ways to prevent thrush is through diligent hygiene. Parents should ensure that all feeding equipment, such as bottles and pacifiers, are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. This helps eliminate any yeast that may linger on these surfaces. Additionally, mothers should practice good breast hygiene by washing their breasts before and after each feeding to reduce the risk of transferring yeast to the baby.
2. Monitor Breastfeeding Techniques
Thrush can be transmitted during breastfeeding, so it’s essential for mothers to ensure proper latch and positioning. A poor latch can lead to nipple damage, creating an environment conducive to yeast growth. If a mother experiences persistent nipple pain or sees signs of thrush in her baby, consulting a lactation expert can be beneficial.
3. Address Maternal Health
Mothers should also be aware of their own health, as conditions like diabetes or the use of antibiotics can increase the risk of yeast infections. Maintaining a balanced diet and managing any underlying health issues can help reduce the likelihood of thrush transmission to the baby. If a mother has thrush, both she and her baby should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.
4. Limit Sugar Intake
For infants who have started eating solids, reducing sugar intake can be an effective preventive measure. Yeast thrives on sugar, so minimizing sugary foods in their diet can help stave off thrush. This is particularly relevant as babies transition to more varied diets.
5. Use Antifungal Treatments When Necessary
If thrush does occur, it’s important to follow through with prescribed antifungal treatments. Medications like nystatin are commonly used and should be administered as directed by a healthcare provider. Ensuring that both the mother and baby receive treatment can help prevent the infection from recurring.
Conclusion
While thrush is a common issue for newborns, proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection. By maintaining good hygiene, ensuring proper breastfeeding techniques, managing maternal health, limiting sugar intake, and adhering to treatment protocols, parents can help keep their little ones comfortable and thrush-free. Awareness and early intervention are key to preventing this pesky infection from disrupting the joys of early parenthood.

What causes babies to be born with thrush?

Thrush occurs when too much of a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida albicans grows in a baby’s mouth. Germs called bacteria and fungi naturally grow in our bodies. Our immune system helps keep these germs in check. But babies do not have fully-formed immune systems.

How can thrush be prevented?

Preventing vaginal thrush
Wipe your bottom from front to back after going to the toilet. This will prevent the spread of candida albicans from the anus to the vagina. Avoid using soap to wash the genital area. Soap substitutes can be used.

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.

Is it OK to give birth with thrush?

Treating thrush during pregnancy
But, if you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take anti-thrush tablets. If you have thrush when your baby is born, the baby may catch it during the delivery. This is nothing to worry about and can easily be treated.

How to avoid thrush in newborns?

Oral thrush is a common infection in babies, but you can help prevent it: If you formula-feed your baby or use a pacifier, thoroughly clean the nipples and pacifiers in hot water or a dishwasher after each use. That way, if there’s yeast on the bottle nipple or pacifier, your baby won’t be reinfected.

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.

Can dirty bottles cause thrush?

Risk Factors for Getting Thrush Are:
Using human milk from a pump that has not been properly sterilized. Sucking on a pacifier or bottle too often and for too long. Using an inhaler for asthma without rinsing the mouth after use.

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

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.

Why do my breasts tingle between feedings?

Nerve Stimulation
This stimulation can evoke tingling sensations as the nerves transmit signals to the brain, indicating the initiation of milk production and release. While tingling may vary in intensity from person to person, it’s generally a sign of the body’s physiological response to breastfeeding or pumping.