Easing the Misery of Thrush and Yeast
Mothers & babies sometimes struggle with yeast or thrush infections after birth. These fungal overgrowths are much more common now than even in the last decade, due in large part to the routine use of antibiotics at birth at least 30% of the time. In US medical settings, antibiotics will be routinely administered to laboring women who test positive when vaginally cultured for Group Beta Strep, and/or when they birth surgically with a C-section*. While yeast is not usually a ‘serious’ problem, it can cause a very serious level of discomfort and pain for mothers and babies both. The infant’s digestion may be disrupted over the long term, and if they are being breastfed, mama’s commitment to breastfeed may also erode.
Prevention is a worthy goal. This is aided by
Avoiding all antibiotics as much as possible, especially during pregnancy and birth.
Avoiding antibiotic soaps, which also wipe out the good guy microbes; the microbial imbalance creates oppotunities.
Including live-cultured foods and restorative probiotic supplements in one’s diet.
Start probiotic supplementation immediately after any antibiotic course is completed.
Here’s some more information if you find yourself wondering if you or your baby has yeast/thrush.
Candida Albicana is commonly called ‘yeast’. The problem arises when there is an overgrowth in the vagina or systemically (ie. ‘yeast infection’), or when there is an overgrowth of yeast on the nipples, or in the baby’s mouth and/or diaper area (ie. ‘thrush’). The body strives to maintain a delicate balance of appropriate “good” microbes to help counter the overgrowth of the “bad”; thrush is a sign of imbalance. Yeast/thrush is usually referred to as a fungus, and it is an opportunist microbe which reproduces rapidly & thrives in moist dark places. And as you might guess, it’s highly contagious, and requires scrupulous hygiene to limit its spread.
You’re at greater risk for thrush if you:
Have a history of yeast infections
Have had antibiotics (yes, ever)
Had an IV in the hospital which may have included antibiotics (i.e. surgery)
Wear wet nursing pads
Take medications
Have nipple damage, generally from a poor latch by baby learning to nurse, or who has an unresolved tongue tie. **
Are under stress, experiencing illness, or during times of hormonal changes such as during menstruation or pregnancy.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
- Things that MAY indicate thrush in a nursing mom include:
Onset of intense nipple pain after a period of comfortable nursing.
Nipple becoming bright pink in color, different from your usual, unique brown blush of the areola.
Itchy or burning nipples, which MAY appear pink, red or shiny.
Cracked nipples that will not heal.
- Things that MAY indicate thrush in the baby include:
White patches in the baby’s mouth that don’t wipe off, or if they do they are red or bleed underneath.
White patches in baby’s mouth after a nap when there’s been no milk in their mouth for awhile.
Diaper rash.
Baby’s mouth is sore, sometimes indicated by pulling off the breast or a clicking sound during nursing.
Gassiness or fussiness.
- It is possible for both mother and baby to have no visible symptoms.
Simple Solutions:
Expose nipples to light and air.
Change pH by rinsing nipples with a 20% vinegar solution; after nursing is a good time to apply it, as babies do not like the taste although it’s not harmful.
Kill yeast by washing ALL items that come in contact with the yeast (through contact with breasts, milk, infant clothes and spit-up rags) in water over 122 degrees F (‘hot wash’ generally does it) or hang the wash to dry in the sun. Set nursing pillow in sun for 20 minutes daily; UV light is your friend, not yeast’s.
Reduce or eliminate consumption of sugar, coffee, black tea and dairy products. Some also would increase consumption of ‘live cultured foods’, which include yogurt (organic brands, NOT sugary dessert versions), miso broth, real sauerkraut, feta cheese, raw cider etc.
Increase use of coconut oil in diet or as a salve on the nipples, which has antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties due to it’s lauric & caprylic acid. Studies have found it kills off excess yeast & fungal overgrowths in the body, and balances beneficial flora in the gut while targeting harmful bacteria.
Critical Care:
Acidophilus/Probiotic Supplements. Effective versions are often on the pricey side found in the refrigerated section (though not always), and often costing $30-$60/bottle. Look also for infant specific strains to give the baby directly, added to milk in bottles or to sprinkled directly in their mouth or on your nipple before nursing. One we use often for post-antibiotic use, include Probiotic Eleven.
“Work up to 3 capsules 3 times daily for at least 2 weeks AFTER symptoms are gone.” (Hafner-Eaton, 1997).
Many mothers seem to need an extraordinary level of probiotics to overcome thrush, even as much as 12-14 caps/day for a couple of weeks, including at least 5 days longer than the symptoms. The more persistent the case, the longer you might take a reduced level of probiotics after the symptoms have passed, as a preventative against ‘relapse.
Liddell’s ‘Candida Yeast’ Homeopathic liquid tincture, take according to directions. Could also spray it topically on nipples or diaper rash.
Homeopathic pellets - Borax 12c or 30x, take according to directions.
Motherlove Diaper Balm This is formulated with thrush in mind, and can be safely used on both mom (nipples) & baby (bottom rash). Use a fresh, clean finger each time, so as not to contaminate the bottle. Don’t use lanolin-based creams if they are not thrush specific and can make it worse.
Fresh Breast pads – cotton (wash hot), disposable (change frequently), or soft natural wool (helps heal cracked nipples and can be put in the sun for 20 minutes of UV to kill any lingering yeast.)
Support for the tough times:
La Leche League, may still have free weekly support groups in your area, ask your mother or parenting groups. Breastfeeding help and meeting locations are available here.
Consultation with your local breastfeeding resource or nursing center; ask where you birth, your midwife, doula or childbirth ed instructor for local referrals.
I am often available by phone, or locally in my Ann Arbor, Michigan office, more info here.
Dealing with thrush and yeast successfully sometimes takes a few rounds of probiotics and other proactive measures. Stay the course, do your best to stay upbeat, and keep researching what else you might need nutritionally or otherwise to fortify your system or help your nipples heal if they have been damaged.
NOTE:
* As a midwife, I have had clients refuse antibiotics in those circumstances (Beta Strep/surgery); those individuals do not decline casually, and are generally very well-informed, are extremely health aware and proactive, and have excellent support in both health/wellness and in help for recovery.
** Tongue and lip ties are at epidemic level now compared to even 5, 10 and certainly 20 years ago. It is NOT a ‘fad’, or suddenly being over-diagnosed. Do NOT underestimate the relationship of ties to nipple agonies during breastfeeding, regardless of how your otherwise beloved pediatricians/lactation specialists/hospital personnel are dismissing your concerns. Good basic info on ties affecting nursing here, and an example of solid understanding of ties here.
THIS CONVERSATION IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE!
LISTEN TO YOUR COMMON SENSE ABOVE ALL, & CONSULT A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL AS NEEDED.