What causes thrush breastfeeding?

Understanding Thrush in Breastfeeding
Thrush, a common yet often painful condition for breastfeeding mothers, is primarily caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of fungus that naturally resides in the body. While this organism typically coexists without issue, certain conditions can lead to its rapid multiplication, resulting in a yeast infection known as thrush. This infection can manifest on the nipples and breasts of the mother, as well as in the mouth and diaper area of the baby, creating a cycle of discomfort that can complicate breastfeeding.
Causes of Thrush During Breastfeeding
The warm and moist environment created during breastfeeding can be conducive to the growth of Candida. Factors that may contribute to this overgrowth include:
– Antibiotic Use: Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body, allowing yeast to flourish. If a mother or her baby has been treated with antibiotics, the risk of developing thrush increases significantly.

– Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly those associated with pregnancy and postpartum recovery, can also affect the body’s natural defenses against yeast overgrowth.
– Poor Hygiene Practices: Inadequate cleaning of breastfeeding equipment, such as breast pumps and bottles, can introduce yeast into the breastfeeding environment. Additionally, not washing hands frequently can facilitate the spread of the infection.
– Skin Conditions: Conditions that cause skin irritation or damage, such as eczema or cracked nipples, can provide an entry point for the fungus, exacerbating the problem.
Symptoms and Impact on Breastfeeding
Mothers experiencing thrush may notice symptoms such as sharp, shooting pain in the nipples, a burning sensation during or after breastfeeding, and visible signs of irritation or redness on the nipples. In some cases, the baby may also exhibit signs of oral thrush, such as white patches in the mouth.
The pain associated with thrush can lead to significant challenges in breastfeeding, including reluctance to nurse, which may result in a nursing strike or even early weaning. This can create a distressing cycle for both mother and baby, as the discomfort can discourage breastfeeding, which is crucial for the baby’s nutrition and bonding.
Treatment and Management
Fortunately, thrush is treatable. Mothers can continue breastfeeding while undergoing treatment, which typically involves antifungal medications prescribed by a healthcare provider. It’s essential for both the mother and baby to be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.
In addition to medication, maintaining good hygiene practices is vital. This includes washing hands frequently, sterilizing breastfeeding equipment, and ensuring that any clothing or breast pads that come into contact with the breasts are clean.
Conclusion
Thrush is a manageable condition that can arise during breastfeeding due to various factors, including antibiotic use and hormonal changes. Understanding its causes and symptoms is crucial for mothers to seek timely treatment and continue their breastfeeding journey with minimal discomfort. By addressing thrush promptly and maintaining good hygiene, mothers can ensure a healthier breastfeeding experience for themselves and their babies.

What is the leading cause of thrush?

It is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast. Antibiotics and immune system problems can raise your risk of thrush. It is uncommon in people without underlying conditions. Thrush might cause a cottony feeling in your mouth or a loss of taste.

What triggers thrush?

What causes thrush. Thrush is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be triggered by sex or, less often, passed on during sex. Thrush is caused by a fungus called candida that is normally harmless. Thrush tends to grow in warm, moist conditions and develops if the balance of bacteria changes.

Why does my breastfed baby keep getting 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.

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 you prevent thrush when breastfeeding?

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

What drink kills thrush?

Preliminary research suggests that lemon juice can help with oral thrush because of its antiseptic and antifungal properties. But don’t apply lemon juice directly to lesions. It can cause burning and irritation. If you want to try lemon juice, mix the juice of half a lemon in a cup of water.

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.

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.

Will breast thrush go away by itself?

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 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).