Breastfeeding provides the perfect environment for yeast, which thrives in warmth and moisture. An overgrowth of yeast can cause a yeast infection known as oral thrush, which can affect nursing mothers and their babies, as well as older children and adults. Oral thrush can be particularly stubborn to get rid of during breastfeeding, since it often is passed back and forth between baby and mother.
Symptoms in Baby
Oral thrush may manifest itself only in you or your baby, or you both might be affected. The most common symptom that may develop in your baby is white patches inside the lips and cheeks that do not wash off easily. The patches may resemble cottage cheese and usually affect the whole mouth. Your baby also might cry when she nurses, since the infection is painful, and she might develop a diaper rash. According to BabyCenter, many older babies do not develop any symptoms of oral thrush.
Symptoms in Mom
If your baby passes oral thrush to you while he breastfeeds, you might experience unusual pain both while you are nursing and between nursing sessions. Your nipples might become red or pink, and the dark area surrounding the nipple, known as the areola, may become dry and itchy. If the thrush is severe, you might experience severe pain deep in the breasts while nursing. If you develop a vaginal yeast infection, you almost can be sure that you have a case of oral thrush, since both conditions are caused by the same type of yeast.
Diagnosis
Nipple pain and soreness have other causes, as well, so consider other conditions and consult your doctor before attempting to treat thrush. Dermatitis and eczema also can manifest symptoms that resemble those of thrush, such as dry, flaking and painful nipples. If you develop a fever, you probably have a case of mastitis, which can be caused by thrush. Keep in mind that use of some medications, such as antibiotics and steroids, may increase your chances of developing a case of thrush.
Treatment and Prevention
If the pain becomes unbearable, try using a breast pump for a few nursing sessions, but be sure to sanitize all parts thoroughly before and after use. If your doctor diagnoses you and your baby with oral thrush, he probably will prescribe nystatin, which can be administered orally to your baby and topically to your nipples. Other treatments for thrush include gentian violet, fluconazole and grapefruit seed extract. Avoid recurrent infections by always washing bras, pacifiers, bottles, teething rings and other baby and nursing items and changing nursing pads frequently.
References
- BabyCenter: Thrush in Breastfeeding Moms
- MayoClinic.com: Oral Thrush
- La Leche League International: Is Thrush Causing My Sore Nipples?
- Dr. Jay Gordon; The Identification and Treatment of Thrush; Cheryl Taylor; 2010
- La Leche League International; Yeast Infections and the Breastfeeding Family; Karen Zeretzke; 1998
