Thrush is a yeast infection that is harmless to you and your baby. It may cause soreness, inflammation and persistent itching of your nipples. Thrush flourishes in warm and moist environments, like wet diapers, the vagina, the mouth and the nipples. You should seek your doctor's advice concerning breastfeeding your infant and using alternative therapies, such as calendula tincture, to relieve any discomfort or pain in your breasts and nipples.
Calendula
The calendula plant is also known as marigold, although not all garden marigolds are part of the calendula family. The petals of the calendula have been used since the 12th century to heal bruises, cuts, scrapes and minor infections. In recent years, calendula is used for dermatitis associated with breast cancer. Calendula comes as a tincture, wash or ointment. Its healing powers may be attributed to the high level of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants, which may possess antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Thrush
It is common for an infant to have oral thrush and pass it on to you. Your baby may have contacted yeast in the birth canal from a vaginal yeast infection you may not have known about. If you received an antibiotic during or after labor, it may have precipitated an outbreak of thrush. Antibiotics destroy bacteria, making room for yeast to thrive. Diagnosis and treatment by your doctor is necessary for both you and your baby to keep from passing thrush back and forth.
Symptoms of Thrush
Symptoms of a yeast infection may include: itchy, cracked or dry nipples; dark, pink nipples that are sore during and after nursing; a burning sensation in your nipples; and pain after nursing that shoots into your breast. You may also have a vaginal yeast infection. Younger infants are more apt to show signs of thrush than older ones. Symptoms may include: white, cottage-cheesy patches in the mouth; crying when nursing or sucking; and a diaper rash, with raised, dark red patches that are in the folds of skin on your baby's legs. It is important to get a diagnosis from your doctor as some of these symptoms are consistent with a bacterial infection.
Precaution Using Calendula While Breastfeeding
Herbal supplements and applications may interact with other herbs, medications and have other uses for different conditions. Amongst calendula's many properties, including and analgesic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic and antiviral, calendula is also used as a uterine stimulant. Uterine stimulants encourage menstrual flow and may negatively affect conception if taken orally. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises against using calendula tincture while pregnant and breastfeeding. Seek your doctor's input before using calendula tincture, or any other herbal preparations, for thrush while breastfeeding.
