What causes thrush in breastfeeding moms?

Understanding Thrush in Breastfeeding Moms
Thrush, a common yet often painful condition, can significantly impact breastfeeding mothers. This fungal infection, primarily caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans, manifests as a yeast infection in the mouth or on the skin, particularly affecting the nipples and breasts during breastfeeding.
Causes of Thrush in Breastfeeding
The primary cause of thrush in breastfeeding mothers is the overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast that naturally resides in the body. Several factors can contribute to this overgrowth:
1. Antibiotic Use: Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body, leading to an increase in yeast growth. This is particularly relevant for mothers who may have taken antibiotics during or after childbirth, as these medications can eliminate beneficial bacteria that keep yeast levels in check.
2. Nipple Damage: If a baby is not latching properly, it can cause damage to the mother’s nipples, creating an environment conducive to yeast infections. Cracked or sore nipples can become entry points for Candida, leading to infection.
3. Immune System Factors: A weakened immune system, whether due to stress, fatigue, or other health conditions, can make mothers more susceptible to infections, including thrush.
4. Contagion Between Mother and Baby: Thrush is highly contagious and can easily be transmitted between mother and baby. If a baby develops oral thrush, it can spread to the mother during breastfeeding, and vice versa.
5. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and postpartum can also influence the body’s susceptibility to yeast infections. These changes can alter the vaginal flora, promoting an environment where Candida can thrive.
Symptoms and Impact on Breastfeeding
Mothers experiencing thrush may notice symptoms such as intense nipple pain, itching, and a burning sensation during or after breastfeeding. The skin on the nipples may appear shiny or have a rash-like appearance. These symptoms can make breastfeeding uncomfortable, leading some mothers to consider weaning, which is often unnecessary as thrush can be treated effectively while continuing to breastfeed.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment for thrush typically involves antifungal medications, which can be prescribed for both the mother and the baby to eliminate the infection and prevent reinfection. It’s crucial for mothers to consult healthcare providers for appropriate treatment options.
To prevent thrush, mothers can take several proactive steps:
– Maintain Good Hygiene: Keeping the breast area clean and dry can help prevent yeast overgrowth.
– Proper Latching: Ensuring the baby latches correctly can minimize nipple damage and reduce the risk of infection.
– Limit Antibiotic Use: Only use antibiotics when absolutely necessary, and discuss alternatives with healthcare providers if possible.
In conclusion, while thrush can be a distressing condition for breastfeeding mothers, understanding its causes and symptoms can empower them to seek timely treatment and continue their breastfeeding journey with confidence.

What does breastfeeding thrush look like?

Signs of thrush in the nursing parent may include:
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. This can be more difficult to see on darker skin tones. White patches/tiny blisters on the nipple or areola.

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.

What will happen if thrush is left untreated?

In some cases, the symptoms of oral thrush can make eating and drinking difficult. If left untreated, the symptoms will often persist and your mouth will continue to feel uncomfortable. In severe cases that are left untreated, there is also a risk of the infection spreading further into your body, which can be serious.

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 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.

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.

How can I prevent thrush while breastfeeding?

Here are some things you and everyone else in your household should do to stop thrush spreading:

1. wash hands thoroughly, especially after nappy changes.
2. use separate towels.
3. wash and sterilise dummies, teats and any toys your baby may put in their mouth.
4. change your breast pads often.

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.

Can I pass thrush to my baby?

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 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.