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Why should you know about Thrush andOral Thrush in babies duringBreastfeeding?Thrush Symptoms Causes Treatment Recovery To conclude

Source: www.noguideformom.com

30 Jun, 2020 - By CWC Outreach

In this article, we shall discuss about one of the most common infections that every mother and

her infant encounter during their breastfeeding journey. It is known as Thrush and oral thrush in

babies. We will look into the ways in which it can be prevented effectively.

What is Thrush?

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Oral Thrush, Source: Netmeds.com

Thrush is a form of yeast infection. It is a painful condition which can develop within the

nipples, areolas, and breasts of a breastfeeding mother. A woman is at higher risk of developing

this infection if she has cracked and open nipples or a vaginal yeast infection.

Breastfed babies might develop thrush in their mouths and on their tongues, which is called oral

thrush. Oral thrush in babies is often painful and makes them fussy or creates trouble feeding

them. Oral thrush is very common in infants under six months old.

Youtube credits : BabyCenter

What are the symptoms of thrush?

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Oral Thrush in babies, Source: breastfeeding-magazine.com

Thrush on the breasts - Thrush on the breasts might cause pain during and after every feed. It

caused pain inside the nipples or behind the areolas and transmits all through the entire chest for

almost an hour during and after every feed. Some other signs of thrush on breasts include pale-

looking nipples and areolas, irritability inside the areolas, glossy skin nearby the areolas, and

flakes on the nipples and areolas.

Oral thrush in babies – The symptoms of oral thrush in babies include white patches inside his

cheeks or on his tongue or gums. These seem like leftover milk. When wiped off, they leave red

sore areas that can bleed. The oral thrush causes pain in the baby's mouth, making them fussy

during and between feeds. Oral thrush in babies may make them go on and off the breast

andmake a clicking sound.

What causes thrush?

If the healthy bacteria within the mother's body cannot keep the fungus in check, it causes

Candida overgrowth. Thrush occurs due to Candida overgrowth and if the immune system is

powerless. Infants are more likely to develop oral thrush since they don't have an evolved

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immune system.

This contamination is very infectious, it's vital for both the mother and child to get treated

immediately when infected. If the mother is infected with thrush, her breastmilk, and anything

that touches her breasts can spread the bacteria, including hands, nursing bras or pads, clothing,

and towels.If the infant has thrush, anything they put in their mouth may likewise spread thrush.

It's crucial to sanitize pacifiers, teething rings, and bottle nipples to evade this. Oral thrush might

be transmitted through an infant's mouth to the mother's breasts during feeds. It may also

transmit while changing an infant's diaper due to the presence of fungus in his stool. Taking

certain medications, like antibiotics and certain cancer drugs destroy healthy bacteria, making

thrush more likely to occur. Women with diabetes may additionally develop thrush than women

without this condition.

Treatment for thrush

Feeding with Thrush, Source - drbrownsbaby.com

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It may be hard to preclude Candida as it grows and spreads quickly. If a mother and baby are

suspected to be infected by thrush, call their doctor so that they will get diagnosed and treated

quickly and also follow the below recommendation.

1. Use medications: Both the mother and her baby should be treated with medicine if either of them showssymptoms of thrush.

2. Wash the hands regularly: Hand hygiene prevents the spread of many infections, including thrush.Always wash hands before and after touching breasts, after using the bathroom, and after changing thebaby's diaper.

3. Wash the breasts regularly: After each feed, wash the areolas with water or a mixture of vinegar (onepart) and water (four parts) and keep the breasts and areolas spotless and dry.

4. Wash the baby's items: To execute the yeast, clean all the things that touch the mother's breast andchild's mouth. Utilize hot, foamy water to wash pacifiers, bottles, bottle nipples, teethers, toys, and thewashable pieces of the breast pump.

5. Change the breast pads often: Change the breast pads as soon as they get wet. Warm and damp breast isthe ideal breeding ground for yeast.

6. Keep the nursing bra clean and dry: Always wear a clean nursing bra and change if it gets wet. Washthe bra, nursing clothes, pajamas, and bedsheets in hot water or bleach to kill the yeast.

7. Try probiotics: Probiotics are good bacteria. The mother can try a probiotic supplement such asLactobacillus acidophilus, or she can eat yogurt.

8. Limit sugar in diet: Yeast loves sugar. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks may help you get rid ofinfection more quickly.

9. Protect the breasts: The nipple pain can be so bad that it hurts when the bra or clothes rub against it.Breast shells can protect the nipples and relieve that pain while she heals.

Supplements that help in treating thrush

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Home remedies for Thrush, Source- healthline.com

Thrush is progressively common in mothers. Avoiding low nutrients food like junk food and

eating foods that are rich in nutrients and minerals help treat thrush quickly.

Altering the relative acidity (pH) of the mother's nipple skin may reduce itching.

Rinse the nipples with:

1. 5 – 10 ml (1 – 2 tsp) of distilled white vinegar in 160 ml (1/4 pint) of water four times daily.

2. 5 ml (1 tsp) of baking soda in 240 ml (1 cup) of water once or twice daily Herbal products and essentialoils shouldn't be applied to the nipples, because it isn't clear how safe they're for the baby.

To what extent does it take to recover from thrush?

Thrush causes pain and makes breastfeeding harder for both the mother and baby. It results in

reducing the milk supply. However, a mother can breastfeed even during treatment. Proceeding

to breastfeed can assist her with keeping up the milk supply.

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It can take as long as about fourteen days for thrush to downsize totally if the mother follows

great cleanliness to abstain from having any recurrence.

To ConcludeThrush is infectious which can be transmitted between a breastfeeding mother and a nursing

baby. Skin or oral prescriptions can wipe out thrush. But, many mothers have found that

alongside any medication, a healthy diet, hygiene, supplements, and alternative therapies can

also make a big difference and help prevent thrush from returning. It is also crucial for women to

know about the best breastfeeding positions. Getting informed about everything related to your

infant can make your parenthood journey more enjoyable.