Breastfeeding mothers often encounter various concerns, including managing a yeast infection, also known as thrush. Mothers frequently ask if breastfeeding can continue safely under these circumstances. They can continue breastfeeding while managing a yeast infection, but immediate and appropriate treatment is necessary to alleviate discomfort and prevent recurrence.
Understanding Breastfeeding Thrush
Breastfeeding thrush is a yeast infection primarily caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus naturally present on the body. This fungus thrives in warm, moist, and dark environments, making the breasts and mouth of a breastfeeding dyad susceptible. Thrush can affect both the breastfeeding parent and the infant, often leading to a cycle of reinfection if not treated simultaneously.
Symptoms in the mother can include burning pain in the nipples, which may intensify after feeds and last for up to an hour. Nipples might also appear itchy, flaky, shiny, or discolored, sometimes with small blisters or white patches. For the infant, common signs of oral thrush involve creamy white spots or patches on the tongue, gums, roof of the mouth, or inner cheeks that do not easily wipe away. Babies might also show fussiness during feeding due to discomfort or develop a persistent diaper rash.
Safe Breastfeeding Practices
Continuing to breastfeed with a yeast infection is safe, even though it can be painful for the mother. Despite the pain, maintaining breastfeeding or expressing milk is recommended to sustain milk supply and prevent complications like mastitis.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis, as symptoms of thrush can overlap with other conditions causing nipple pain, such as poor latch or bacterial infections. A healthcare professional can help rule out other causes and provide guidance specific to the situation. If breastfeeding becomes too painful, expressing milk can be a temporary alternative.
Effective Treatment Strategies
Treating a yeast infection during breastfeeding requires a coordinated approach, targeting both the mother and the infant simultaneously to prevent ongoing transmission. For mothers, topical antifungal creams like miconazole or clotrimazole are prescribed to apply to the nipples after each feeding. These creams do not need to be washed off before the next feeding, but any excess can be gently wiped away. In cases of severe or deep breast pain, an oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole, may be prescribed for the mother.
Infants with oral thrush are treated with an antifungal oral gel or liquid, such as nystatin suspension or miconazole oral gel. The medication is applied to the affected areas inside the baby’s mouth. Treatment duration for both mother and baby lasts for at least 10 to 14 days, and should continue for at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve to ensure full clearance and prevent recurrence.
Preventing Recurrence
Hygiene practices and lifestyle adjustments can help prevent the recurrence of yeast infections during breastfeeding. Thorough handwashing with soap and water after feeding and diaper changes is important to limit the spread of yeast. Keeping nipples dry between feedings by air drying and changing breast pads frequently, especially those without plastic liners that trap moisture, can also reduce yeast growth.
Washing bras and any clothing that comes into contact with the nipples in hot water helps to kill yeast. Sterilizing any items that the baby puts in their mouth, such as pacifiers, bottle nipples, and breast pump parts, is also advised. Some individuals find that reducing sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, and incorporating probiotics, can help manage yeast overgrowth.