Since so many moms emailed about thrush and yeast infections in breastfeeding (it's so painful!), I thought I'd give you some of the tips and some practical advice.
I don't want to spend too much time on what you can find on good, thorough sites, so for Tuesday links, I have a very informative source for you to read up on medical and natural remedies here at kellymom.
Practice good hygiene. You should anyway, because children are sort of a breeding ground for disease, sorry to tell you. You don't need antibacterial detergents and sprays. You need old fashioned hand washing with warm water and soap.
As I said in my last post (#5), wash your hands after diapering. With warm water and soap. Really.
Babies sort of come with yeast and it can get out of control. Diaper rashes are often caused by yeast. I had one baby whose rash was misdiagnosed by the doctor, and I kept putting cortisone cream on his poor bum. That only makes it worse. Fortunately the nice lady at the diaper service told me to use a different cream and to air out his diaper area, since yeast thrives on dampness.
Many readers reminded us to keep bras (cotton), nursing pads (don't use anything but cotton pads), nighties, and towels clean and dry. Wash them in hot water. Wash your hands before you nurse the baby.
Eat less sugar and carbs. Eat more protein, yogurt, and salt. Yeast thrives on sugar.
Sibyl said make sure it's yeast and not eczema. If it's thrush, the baby will likely have white spots in his mouth. If so, use the remedy on your breasts too, whether or not you think you have thrush.
If what you have is cracked and sore nipples but not a hot pain like you are sending knives, not milk, through your nipples, it could be eczema and needs a different treatment.
Kathy recommended washing with a vinegar solution, as vinegar kills yeast. Let your breasts air dry. If you can be discreet, allow some sun to get on your skin!
And above all, keep nursing. You don't want a plugged duct on top of everything. I found that the pain was intense for a few minutes but subsided if I just plunged in. Offer your pain to God for your child and all children and mothers! If you follow these tips and the ones on kellymom, it will be over soon.
And wash your hands.
XOXO!
HollyElise says
Thank you Aunty Leila, for these posts that I am saving for when I have babies of my own!!
God Bless.
Simplegirl says
I think you have such a wonderful blog, I am your newest follower. I came across your blog via another of my favorites. I love your pictures as well, makes me miss Europe so very much. Blessings to you and yours.
Aunt Sue says
Two things: When you get a sore spot on your breast – before it turns into mastitis, get in the shower and massage the spot with your hand and the hottest water you can stand. Then get into bed if you can and nurse the baby on the sore side first so he sucks the strongest on that side. Mastitis is sure sign that you are doing too much!
Also, babies are normally very alert right after they are born, if you can nurse the baby right away he will usually latch right on and suck vigorously. After that he'll be very sleepy for a good long time. But then, the next time you nurse, he will know what to do.
Annie says
Change your towels daily too. And, a great remedy, although it does stain, is gentian violet. I had purple nipples and my daughter had beautiful purple lips for a while! But it does the job!
Breanna says
YES to gentian violet, follow a protocol though. I like the one kellymom links to.
Sheila says
And remember, antibacterial soap does not kill thrush because it's a fungus! Wash your hands with regular soap instead.
priest's wife says
Thanks for this blog- it is a wonderful resource- although my youngest has weaned herself…I direct friends to your wise and comforting information
Cathy Helmert says
What wonderful advice! I struggled with thrush for three months with my youngest. I did everything my doctor and the pediatrician said to do. I went through multiple bottles of liquid nystatin. While I had incredible pain and all of the obvious visual symptoms, my sweet daughter never got the terrible and painful spots in her mouth. What finally worked for us was the gentian violet, and I also had to take two rounds of an oral medicine for yeast infections. Our pharmacist, friend and church deacon, recommended the gentian violet the first time I filled a prescription for the liquid nystatin but I chose to go with what the doctor said. I feel like I could have avoided months of pain, and probably the yeast getting into my milk ducts had I just taken his advice to begin with. I know it's a bit odd looking, on both you and the baby, and the purple is VERY dark, but it works!
Cathy L. says
I realize this is an old article, but seeing as I found it because I was seeking out advice for dealing with a painful yeast infection, I thought others might do the same. So, I wanted to just mention this, in case others check the archives for such an article, like I did. You recommend the vinegar wash for yeast infection, which is good advice. I am currently treating mine with that, and it seems to be working so far (time will tell). But, I wanted to clarify that it should be a good, quality Apple cider vinegar and NOT regular white vinegar (read the labels to make sure it is ACV, and not just white vinegar with coloring). In my research to find a more natural and less chemical healing method, I read that yeast will feed on white vinegar, whereas the apple cider variety will kill the bad yeast bacteria, while leaving the healthy bacteria intact. I also read that yeast feeds on corn starch, after having made the mistake of using regular powder to help keep the infected area dry. So, if your baby has a yeast related diaper rash, it might be better to opt out of powder until it heals, or make sure the poweder doesn’t have corn starch in the ingredients. the more you know, and all that jazz ;). Thank you for your tireless devotion to helping wives and mothers in our task, Leila!