Thrush with breastfeeding: what to do

What is thrush?

Thrush infections are caused by a yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans. Naturally found on women's skin, this fungus is usually harmless. However, if it multiplies it can infect the skin and cause irritation, itchiness, and redness.

This is known as thrush, and it can develop in both women and their babies. The most common places for thrush are the vagina, mouth, and nappy area.

How common is thrush with breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can be a trigger both for nipple thrush in women and oral thrush in babies. The Candida fungus thrives in warm and moist places, and so breastfeeding provides an ideal environment for it to grow.

Jo Parkinton, resident midwife at Lansinoh, explains that the infection can be transmitted both ways between mother and baby: "Nipple thrush may develop when the infection gets into a cracked and damaged nipple, but there are several other possible causes, including recent antibiotic use, a high-sugar diet, and vaginal thrush.

"The baby could also pick up the infection during birth - if mother develops thrush while pregnant - and then transfer the yeast back to mum through the nipple."

Parkinton adds that thrush with breastfeeding is common, affecting around one in 20 breastfeeding women.

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Signs of thrush with breastfeeding

If you're breastfeeding, there are signs to look out for on your own breasts as well as in and around your baby's mouth. Jana Abelovska, superintendent pharmacist at Click Pharmacy, talks us through the range of symptoms:

Treating thrush when you're breastfeeding

If you or your baby develops thrush, you don't need to stop breastfeeding. According to Midwife Jo, you can speak to your pharmacist about over-the-counter treatments, or raise any concerns with your GP. Both can recommend the most effective treatment for thrush with breastfeeding based on the severity of the symptoms.

"It's important that both mother and baby are treated at the same time to avoid cross contamination," she says. "Thrush treatment is usually the same for both - normally miconazole if the baby is over four months of age, which can be applied as an oral gel into baby's mouth as well as in cream form directly onto mum's nipple skin. If mum also has symptoms of vaginal thrush, we recommend clotrimazole cream and pessaries - tablets that are inserted into the vagina - and review their diet." If the baby is younger than four months old, it is best to see a GP first.

You should see an improvement within two to three days. If five days of treatment hasn't made a difference, speak to your GP. Pharmacist Jana says: "If symptoms persist, a single dose of oral fluconazole may be prescribed via a tablet to clear the infection." "

How to prevent thrush with breastfeeding

It's not always possible to prevent thrush with breastfeeding, but there are hygienic habits that can help prevent the infection spreading between you, your baby, and other members of your household. This includes:

• Using separate towels.

• Washing your hands frequently - especially after nappy changes.

• Changing your breast pads regularly.

• Sterilising dummies and any toys your baby may put in their mouth.

• Washing fabrics that come into close contact with your breasts or baby's mouth at a high temperature.