As a certified lactation consultant, I facilitate a couple of weekly chest and breastfeeding group meetings and there are some recurring topics. One of those topics that always comes up is the dreaded thrush. It’s painful, it’s unsightly, and for some women, it may lead to the end of their breastfeeding journey and we don’t want that to happen. So today we’re going to discuss all things thrush and breastfeeding.
What is Thrush?
Thrush, also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis, is caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans. Everyone has candida fungus in their mouth, digestive tract, and even skin but the amount that a healthy human has is very small and doesn’t tend to cause problems. Where people start to run into trouble is when there’s an overgrowth of candida. This is called thrush and it can negatively impact your breastfeeding. Thrush can be excruciating for both mama and baby and it must be medically addressed so that nursing can continue.
Related Article: Breastfeeding During Corona
How do babies get thrush?
Some of the ways babies can get thrush are from contamination from caregivers, breastfeeding, use of antibiotics, vaginal yeast infection from birthing mother, and HIV infection.
What are the symptoms of thrush?
In babies, thrush looks like white patches in the mouth (gums, the roof of the mouth, inner cheeks, and tongue). The white patches on the tongue may look like milk leftover from breastfeeding but it can’t be wiped off (if it is wiped off it can leave red sores or blood). You may also see red cracks in the mouth. Babies may be extremely irritable and may have a decrease in appetite because of the pain and trouble swallowing that thrush causes. Breastfeeding babies who have thrush may pop on and off the breast and make clicking sounds when feeding (https://www.laleche.org.uk/thrush/).
In breastfeeding mamas, thrush will look like flaky or shiny skin on the nipples or areola. There may also be burning pain in nipples.
Can you still breastfeed when you and your baby have thrush?
With proper treatment, you can continue to breastfeed.
Treatment
If you’re a breastfeeding mother your IBCLC or pediatrician can recommend the proper treatment and prescription for thrush.
Some possible treatments are:
Topical antifungal placed on the mother’s nipples.
Antifungal medication rinse or gel for baby’s mouth.
Be sure to talk to your pediatrician or lactation consultant about your and baby’s medical history so that the proper treatment can be given.
If you’re looking for an IBCLC, I’d love to work with you. I offer both in-person and virtual consults. Learn more here.
