Oral yeast infections, also called thrush, are a common condition in breastfeeding infants and occur due to the overgrowth of a naturally-occurring yeast called Candida albicans. Mothers who breastfeed can develop breast yeast infection symptoms if their infant has an oral yeast infection. A breastfeeding mother should seek additional care for both herself and her baby if she develops breast yeast infection symptoms.
Skin Rash
Women who have a yeast infection affecting the breast tissue can develop a skin rash across the nipples as a symptom of this condition. The skin surrounding the infected nipple can appear unusually red, shiny or inflamed. Certain mothers may notice that their nipples appear dry, flaky, or begin to peel. These skin rash symptoms of a breast yeast infection should be discussed with a doctor as soon as possible.
Nipple Soreness
Nursing mothers can experience sensations of soreness around the nipples as a symptom of a breast yeast infection, explain medical professionals with the University Hospitals of Cleveland in Ohio. Sensations of nipple pain can arise during or after breastfeeding an infant, and are typically unresponsive to traditional sore nipple treatment. Certain mothers may also experience burning or itching of the nipple due to this infection. These uncomfortable nipple symptoms of a breast yeast infection are not normal side effects of breastfeeding and should be promptly discussed with a doctor.
Breast Pain
Severe breast pain can develop as a symptom of a breast yeast infection in nursing mothers. These sensations of breast pain can be characterized as searing, shooting or throbbing, reports La Leche League International, an organization devoted to helping educate breastfeeding mothers throughout the world. While breastfeeding, mothers may develop breast pain that persists once feeding is completed. As breast pain while breastfeeding is abnormal, affected mothers should consult a doctor for further evaluation and care.
