Is oral thrush more common in breastfed babies?

Understanding Oral Thrush in Breastfed Babies
Oral thrush, a common fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of *Candida albicans*, is particularly prevalent among infants, including those who are breastfed. This condition manifests as white patches in the mouth and can lead to discomfort during feeding. While oral thrush can affect any baby, certain factors associated with breastfeeding may increase the likelihood of its occurrence.
The Link Between Breastfeeding and Oral Thrush
Breastfeeding can indeed play a role in the transmission and prevalence of oral thrush. Babies can acquire the *Candida* fungus from their mothers during birth or through breastfeeding itself. The close physical contact during feeding creates an environment where the fungus can easily spread from the baby’s mouth to the mother’s breast, and vice versa. This reciprocal transmission can lead to a cycle of infection, where both mother and baby may experience symptoms simultaneously.
Risk Factors for Thrush in Breastfed Babies
Several factors contribute to the increased incidence of oral thrush in breastfed infants. For instance, if a mother has taken antibiotics, this can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and fungi in both her and her baby’s bodies, making them more susceptible to infections like thrush. Additionally, improper latching during breastfeeding can create conditions that favor the growth of *Candida*, leading to painful breastfeeding experiences and further complications.
Moreover, newborns are particularly vulnerable due to their immature immune systems. This vulnerability is compounded if they have underlying health issues or if they were born via cesarean section, as they may miss out on beneficial bacteria that are typically acquired during a vaginal birth.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms of oral thrush in babies include white patches on the tongue, gums, and inside the cheeks, which may be accompanied by fussiness or difficulty feeding. For mothers, thrush can cause breast pain and discomfort, complicating the breastfeeding experience .
Treatment typically involves antifungal medications for both the mother and the baby to break the cycle of infection. It’s crucial for breastfeeding mothers to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently and sterilizing feeding equipment, to minimize the risk of thrush.
Conclusion
In summary, while oral thrush is a common condition in infants, breastfeeding can increase the risk of its occurrence due to the potential for transmission between mother and child. Awareness of the symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures can help manage and reduce the incidence of this uncomfortable infection in breastfeeding families.

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.

Can thrush survive in frozen breast milk?

Previously, parents were advised to avoid expressing and storing milk during a thrush infection to avoid possible re-infection, as freezing does not kill yeast. However, there is currently no evidence to suggest that this will happen.

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 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

Why does my breastfed baby keep getting oral thrush?

It can also affect babies if they have been recently treated with antibiotics. If you have been breastfeeding and have recently had antibiotics, then your own healthy bacteria can be affected making you more at risk of thrush infection. This infection can then be passed on to your baby during breastfeeding.

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. Some babies have repeat episodes of it. Oral thrush is rarely due to poor hygiene. It is unlikely to mean that your baby is ill in any other way.

How to avoid thrush in babies’ mouths?

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.

Are breastfed babies more likely to get 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 oral thrush due to poor hygiene?

Causes of oral thrush
wearing dentures (false teeth), particularly if they don’t fit properly. having poor oral hygiene. having a dry mouth, either because of a medical condition or a medication you are taking. smoking.

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 .