Thrush is a yeast/fungal infection that produces symptoms in the baby's mouth and the mother's nipples. It can be spread to a newborn via vaginal birth when a mother has a yeast infection. Many women don't have symptoms of mild infections, and yeast infections are common in pregnancy. More commonly, it appears later in the nursing relationship.
What are the Symptoms?
A mother who has nursed fine for weeks or months and then suddenly develops sore nipples may have thrush. If her nipples are pink or red and itchy, burn or flake, she may have thrush. Some women describe the tenderness as a deep pain behind the nipple. For some, it is a mild discomfort - for others, it is quite painful and can cause early weaning. A mother may also have an uncomfortable vaginal yeast infection.
A baby usually has no pain symptoms, but again, it is individual. Some mothers report that their baby won't latch onto the breast well or pulls away and cries. Also, thrush can cause a diaper rash, which can be very painful. But, the most common symptom in a baby is white patches in the mouth (on the inside of the cheeks, gum line and roof of the mouth) that cannot be easily swabbed off.
Diagnosis should always be made by a health care professional. Other causes of nipple soreness can mimic thrush, making it difficult for a doctor to diagnose the problem over the phone. Both baby and mother should be seen in the office, and should also be evaluated for other possible causes of nipple soreness if thrush is ruled out. Some other causes are: poor latch-on, infant tongue-tie, and eczema in the nipples.
How Do You Treat It?
Thrush is treated with anti-fungal medication and meticulous hand washing. The medications prescribed for baby and mother should be taken for about 1-2 weeks after symptoms go away. Some households can pick up thrush again very easily - especially households where other children are spreading it back and forth between each other. In this case, sterilizing toys, eating utensils, bedding and clothing may be necessary.
Mothers who are pumping should always sterilize the pump's parts, all containers that hold breastmilk and any bottles used. Pacifiers and other items that frequent the baby's mouth should also be washed often.
How Do You Prevent It?
Yeast grows in warm, moist places. Some women who wear breast shells or shields may be more prone to getting thrush. Women who take antibiotics or live in warm, humid areas may also get it easier. Diet also influences the way a body handles yeast and can either facilitate or help prevent infection. Many women who eat too much sugar get yeast infections more often. A balanced diet often helps prevent infection.
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