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How To Prevent Thrush While Breastfeeding

by Julie Nealon | February 28, 2019

Tips on preventing thrush while breastfeeding

Thrush is a yeast infection, also known as candida. It is a common problem during breastfeeding. Thrush can develop on the breast and in the baby’s mouth. While thrush isn’t a serious condition, it can spread quickly, and cause some discomfort. Thrush can be challenging to treat. Therefore, prevention is better than cure in this case.

How To Prevent Thrush While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding with Thrush

Thrush can interfere with breastfeeding. It can be very painful on your nipples and could cause you to stop breastfeeding. Thrush can also be painful for your baby if it spreads to their mouth, which can cause them to refuse the breast.

What Causes Thrush?

Some women are more prone to develop thrush than others. If you get frequent vaginal yeast infections, are on antibiotics, have diabetes, or you start taking new birth control pills, your chances of developing thrush are even higher.

Here are Some Tips for Preventing Thrush While Breastfeeding

Wash your hands regularly, especially before nursing, after changing a diaper, and after using the bathroom. Regular hand washing can really help to prevent the spread of thrush.
Wear breast pads made from natural fibers or unlined disposable ones, to prevent moisture build-up and to allow your nipples to breathe. Make sure to change them often.
Wear a clean nursing bra every day, and change it if it gets wet.
Try to avoid using nipple creams unless absolutely necessary.
Keep everything that comes in contact with your baby and your breasts clean — Wash baby’s toys, pacifiers, teethers, bottles, and nipples in soapy, hot water. You should also clean the washable parts of your breast pump often.
Add vegan probiotics to your daily diet.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and try to limit the amount of sugar that you consume. Eating a diet that is high in sugar may increase your risk of a yeast infection.