Understanding Thrush and Its Relationship to Breastfeeding Moms

By Kristi Patrice Carter

As a new mother, nothing matters more to you than the health of your newborn infant. All the experts have told you that breastfeeding is the healthiest means by which to feed your baby, but they do not always warn you about thrush.

Thrush is an infection caused by yeast commonly found in the human body. Babies typically are exposed to this yeast during delivery. As a result of this exposure, newborns typically develop thrush 7 to 10 days after delivery.

If you have been breastfeeding since birth, then your breasts have also been exposed to the yeast that causes thrush. Regardless of how you feel, it is vital to seek treatment for yourself in order to prevent thrush from reoccurring. You may not know if you have the infection, but some signs include:

• The presence of a vaginal yeast infection
• Cracked, itchy, red, shiny, pink, or irritated nipples
• Sharp, shooting pain during and/or after feedings
• Deep breast pain

Your doctor will mostly likely prescribe a course of antibiotics in order to treat thrush. You will also need to take extra precautions, especially if you plan to continue to breastfeed. These precautions include:

• Reducing your intake of refined sugar, refined carbohydrates, and artificial sweeteners
• Eliminating dairy products for two weeks after the diagnosis
• Taking 6 capsules of acidophilus at regular intervals throughout the day
• Increasing your intake of garlic through diet and supplements in order to boost your immune system
• Taking Echinacea
• Rinsing your nipples with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar
• Applying an antifungal cream to your nipples
• Exposing your nipples to air as often as possible
• Throwing away any expressed milk pumped prior to learning of the infection
• Washing and sterilizing any toys, pacifiers, or bottles your baby may have sucked on previously
• Putting your bras and tank tops in boiling water in order to kill the infection
• Washing your hands frequently and drying your hands with a new paper towel each time
• Avoiding use of nursing pads
• Increasing your consumption of yogurt
• Keeping your breasts clean and dry

Many mothers worry that they will have to stop breastfeeding because of thrush. This, however, is not the case as long as you follow the necessary precautions in order to protect yourself and your baby.