Thrush, a common yeast infection, can significantly impact the breastfeeding experience. It explores how this fungal overgrowth can influence milk supply. Understanding its effects and management strategies helps breastfeeding parents navigate this challenge.
Understanding Thrush and Its Breastfeeding Impact
Thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast naturally present in the body. An imbalance can lead to infection, particularly in warm, moist environments like the mouth and nipples. Both breastfeeding parents and babies can develop thrush, easily passing it between them during feeding.
Breastfeeding parents may experience sore, itchy, or burning nipples, with pain occurring during or after feedings, sometimes radiating deep into the breast. Nipples may appear red, shiny, flaky, or cracked. In babies, thrush presents as white, cottage cheese-like patches on the tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks that do not easily wipe away. Babies may also show fussiness at the breast, pull away during feeds, or have a persistent diaper rash. These symptoms can make breastfeeding uncomfortable or painful, directly interfering with effective milk removal.
How Thrush Can Affect Milk Production
Thrush can indirectly lead to a decrease in milk supply due to the discomfort and pain it causes. When feeding becomes painful, parents may shorten nursing sessions or feed less frequently to avoid discomfort. Similarly, a baby with oral thrush may have a sore mouth, causing them to latch poorly, refuse to feed effectively, or nurse for shorter durations. This reduced frequency and effectiveness of milk removal signals the body to produce less milk, aligning with the principle of supply and demand.
Milk production operates on a feedback loop: more milk removed means more milk produced. Conversely, inadequate milk removal decreases supply. If a baby does not empty the breast due to pain or poor latch, or if the parent avoids feeds due to nipple pain, prolonged fullness signals the body to slow down milk production.
Treatment and Milk Supply Management
Diagnosis involves a healthcare provider assessing symptoms in both parent and baby. Treatment involves antifungal medications prescribed for both parent and baby simultaneously to prevent re-infection. Parents may receive a topical antifungal cream for nipples, or an oral antifungal medication. For babies, antifungal drops or gels are applied to the mouth. Complete the full course of medication even if symptoms improve quickly.
Continued milk removal is important to manage milk supply during infection. If nursing is too painful, pumping can help maintain supply. Frequent, short nursing sessions may be tolerable for some, while others might find pumping more comfortable. Good hygiene is also important, including:
Washing hands thoroughly before and after feeding or pumping.
Sterilizing pump parts, pacifiers, and any toys the baby puts in their mouth.
Washing bras and breast pads in hot water.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or lactation consultant, at the first signs of thrush. They can accurately diagnose the infection and rule out other causes of pain or milk supply issues. A doctor can prescribe the appropriate antifungal medications for both the parent and baby, ensuring a coordinated treatment plan.
A lactation consultant can provide personalized support by assessing the baby’s latch and milk transfer, and offering strategies to minimize pain during feeding. They can also help develop a plan to maintain or rebuild milk supply if it has decreased. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, thrush is manageable, and milk supply can often be restored to previous levels.