Breastfeeding
may be slightly uncomfortable in the early days, but it should
never be a painful experience. If you are experiencing pain that
doesn't go away with a correct latch and isn't due to plugged
ducts, you could have thrush. Thrush is a common fungal infection
that affects breastfeeding moms and infants.
What is Thrush?
The same fungus that is responsible for those dreaded vaginal
yeast infections (candida) is the same fungus that is responsible
for thrush. This yeast is a normal part of your and your baby's
digestive system. Under certain conditions, this yeast can
overgrow, causing thrush to occur.
Though the symptoms of thrush are painful, it is a harmless
condition that can be taken care of with the right treatment.
Because
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Common signs
and symptoms in moms include:
Shooting, deep pain in both nipples that occurs during and
after nursing
Pain in the breasts that lasts for an hour or more after
nursing
Sudden onset of pain after pain-free nursing
Cracked nipples
Pain while using a breastpump
Feeling an itching sensation or burining in the nipples
Bright pink or red nipples that may have a shiny appearance
In your baby, signs of thrush include:
White, chunky patches (that have the appearance of cottage
cheese) inside of his or her cheeks or tongue that doesn't easily
wash off
A white film on his or her lips
Crying when sucking at the breast, bottle or
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Treatment
should bring relief for both and your baby within 48 hours. Pain
relievers, such as ibuprofen, can be taken to lessen the pain
during
breastfeedinguntil the treatment begins working. Make sure to
wash your hands thoroughly before and after breastfeeding and after
applying the medication in order to prevent the yeast from
spreading.
Because breastfeeding can be painful for both you and your
little one during thrush, try pumping to maintain your milk supply
and to provide breastmilk for your baby while your nipples heal.
Most insurance providers will cover the cost of a breast pump with
no out-of-pocket cost for you.
Though it may seem like a frustrating (and painful) hurdle in
breastfeeding, thrush is a very common problem that nursing moms
and babies experience. With the right treatment, you will soon be
pain-free and enjoying the nursing relationship that you have with
your baby
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