Thrush In Infants
For many of you, a healthy pregnancy was important even before conception. You ate well, did regular exercise, avoided alcohol and smoking. You did loads of reading and decided that you would breastfeed as it is best for baby, with a few benefits for yourself. Fast forward to the breastfeeding part - at first you had to contend with sore nipples due to poor latches, and the nipples not being used to all the activity! But feeding is now established with minimal discomfort to you, baby is growing and gaining weight nicely and all of a sudden "Wham", you're hit by a searing, burning pain exploding from your breasts.
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This may be the first sign that you have developed thrush on your nipples. You may also notice that your baby's mouth is covered in a white layer (on the inside of the cheeks and tongue) and she may also have developed a diaper rash. The rash caused by Candida Albicans does not usually respond to normal diaper rash ointments and preparations, and looks like bright red dots which may or may not peel. Your baby could also appear to be gassy due to the yeast in the intestinal tract, and become fussy at the breast refusing to nurse.
Now is not the time to start feeling all guilty about you passing on a yeast infection to your baby - there are many factors why this could have happened, for example: you or your baby could have been given a dose of antibiotics in the hospital (especially if you've had to have an caesarean section), you may have diabetes or have developed high blood sugar levels during your pregnancy which increases the risk of getting infected with Candida Albicans, and you may also have had some trauma to the nipple caused by poor latches which would encourage production of Candida Albicans. If your baby uses a pacifier, it could also be the possible cause, especially if it has not been sterilized regularly.
To get rid of the yeast infection, it is important that both the mother and baby are treated at the same time. There are a few remedies available, but the most recognized ones are: nystatin and gentian violet.
Nystatin
You would need to see your caregiver as he would probably have to prescribe this for you. You would administer the suspension to the baby's mouth using a dropper, about 4 times a day. You would apply nystatin cream to your nipples after each feed as well as to baby's genital area if the rash is present. It is important to follow the directions and complete the full course, even if the symptoms disappear after a few days. Although nystatin is effective, its common use is causing Candida Albicans to become resistant to it.
Gentian Violet
Gentian violet can be purchased over the counter at drugstores and pharmacies without a prescription, making it easily available. You can apply some of the solution directly to the affected areas of your baby's mouth using a cotton swab, and you can also apply it to your nipples (taking care if your nipples or sore or tender). Take care when applying gentian violet as it stains quite easily. You can use gentian violet together with nystatin if necessary.
Other Options:
These will not be enough to cure the yeast infection on their own, but they will help minimize the discomfort and duration of the infection.
- Acidophilus capsules
- Using compresses made of vinegar or bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) applied to the nipple
- Exposing your breasts to sunlight about 3 times a day, and if sunlight is not practical - exposure to air.
- All purpose nipple cream
- Yeast diets - cutting out yeasty products from your diet like bread, sugar and diary.
- Grapefruit seed extract
- Dilute tea tree oil 1/6 in olive oil(thats 1 part tea tree six parts olive) and dab this on and around the nipple.
- Changing breast pads at each feeding
Don't forget to treat all pacifiers, teats, pumps (the parts that come into contact with the breast or milk), and breast shells by boiling them for 5 minutes.
If your breasts or baby don't show any sign of improvement within several days, it may be necessary to see your caregiver again. I have spent a lot of time researching the best natural cures for yeast infections and this is undoubtedly the best product in its category for overall effectiveness in getting rid of all kinds of thrush, including thrush in infants, candida daiper rash, breastfeeding and thrush and more!