Thrush: A Beast of A Yeast
If you and your children have never experienced thrush, you probably know someone who has. Common as it may be, it’s still an infection which must be addressed by a medical provider. Thrush is a yeast commonly found in our digestive systems, but an over-abundance can develop into an infection and be troublesome for baby and breastfeeding mothers.
It’s not always clear, which comes first – the baby’s oral thrush or Mother’s ductal yeast infection. Did Mom have a yeast infection when she delivered the baby, or was Mom given an antibiotic in the hospital for Group B Strep, increasing yeast in her system and passing through her breast milk? Or did the baby have thrush and pass yeast to the mother when breastfeeding?
Signs and Symptoms
According to La Leche League, if you have “itchy or burning nipples and/or have a rash with tiny blisters, cracked nipples, shooting pains in the breast during or after feedings or deep breast pain,” you need to check with your healthcare provider as thrush could be present. Tammy Hensley, expectant Kansas City mother with two older children, says, “Within a week of giving birth, breastfeeding became progressively more painful, rather than getting easier like I had been told. ‘Let down’ felt like my breasts were on fire. And as soon as the baby would start eating, it felt like knives were stabbing me.”
Oral thrush in infants appears as a milky white substance on the tongue, gums and/or cheeks, or small white blisters in the diaper area. If your baby has a thick, white coating on his/her tongue, which won’t wipe off, it most likely is thrush. Milk coating can be wiped away. Just be careful when wiping, for if rubbed too vigorously, sores or bleeding can occur. Tammy says her first baby “did not have symptoms when I was diagnosed with ductal yeast. Within a week, (baby) had thrush in her mouth and a diaper rash that caused her so much pain.”
Treatment
Terrah Stroda, ARNP, Certified Nurse Midwife with Women’s Care in Shawnee Mission, says she prescribes “Nystatin topical cream (to place on nipples) and oral Diflucan” for women with ductal yeast. “Continued breastfeeding is vital - it may be uncomfortable for a few days, but can help prevent another painful infection called mastitis,” says Stroda.
Jason Wichman, MD, of Pediatric Care Specialists in Overland Park begins treatment with Nystatin, which is painted in the mouth and cheeks a couple times a day. “If it’s resistant or if (thrush) goes away and then comes right back, we have them use Diflucan, which is an oral medication,” he says.
Prevention
Stroda says, “Prevention is best completed by boiling pacifiers, bottles, nipples and toys the child may put in his/her mouth, as well as (washing with soap and hot water) things like burp cloths, blankets, mom's bras, breast pump supplies and reusable breastfeeding pads.” The Mayo Clinic says, “Look for pads that don't have a plastic barrier, which can encourage the growth of (yeast).” They also recommend limiting the amount of sugar and yeast-containing foods you eat. “These may encourage the growth of (yeast).” Stroda also says, “We recommend oral Acidophillus for moms, and yogurt if appropriate for baby's age.”
Stacey Hatton is an Overland Park nurse and mother of two girls.