Yeast infections, also known as thrush, can be a common issue for both breastfeeding mothers and their babies. When these infections occur, it’s important to find safe treatment options that won’t harm the baby.
If you suspect you or your baby has a yeast infection, the first step is to consult with a healthcare professional. A doctor or lactation consultant can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
This article will explore safe antifungal options during breastfeeding, including hygiene practices, dietary adjustments, and medical interventions, to make sure mothers can continue breastfeeding their babies.
Identifying yeast infections (thrush) when breastfeeding
Thrush, or a yeast infection of the breast, can be frustrating and painful for breastfeeding mothers and babies.
Symptoms in breastfeeding mothers
If you have thrush, you may experience:
- Nipple pain that feels constant, new, itchy, or burning. You may also notice cracked nipples.
- Shooting pains in your breasts.
- Rashes on your nipples or areolae.
Symptoms in infants
If your baby has thrush, you may notice:
- White patches in the mouth. These patches may look like milk residue, but they won’t come off easily when you try to wipe them away.
- A diaper rash. If your baby has oral thrush, they may also develop a yeast infection in their diaper area.
Medical Treatment Options for Breastfeeding Mothers
If thrush becomes a recurring issue, or if home remedies aren’t effective, it’s time to talk with your doctor about medical treatment options.
Topical Antifungal Creams
Your doctor might prescribe an antifungal cream to apply to your nipples after each feeding. These creams contain medicine that helps to kill the yeast causing the infection.
It’s important to use the cream exactly as your doctor instructs to ensure it works properly and doesn’t harm your baby.
Oral Antifungal Medications
Sometimes, yeast can grow in your milk ducts, which means a cream that you put on your nipples won’t be able to reach the source of the infection. In these cases, your doctor might recommend an oral antifungal medication.
These medications are generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding. But it’s always a good idea to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor, as some medications can pass into breast milk and affect your baby.
Hygiene practices to combat yeast infections
Careful hygiene is one of your best defenses against a stubborn yeast infection while you’re breastfeeding.
Breast pump hygiene
If you use a breast pump, follow these steps:
- After each use, take apart and wash every part that comes into contact with breast milk.
- Wash the parts in hot, soapy water.
- You can also boil the parts for 20 minutes after each use.
Personal hygiene
Wash your nipples and your hands frequently.
Wash or change anything that touches your nipples (bras, pads, towels) daily. Use hot water and bleach. Dry the items on high heat.
Other hygiene measures
Use disposable breast pads. That way, you can simply toss the pad after it becomes damp.
Dietary considerations during antifungal treatment
While you’re taking antifungal medication, you may want to consider some dietary changes. Two key areas to focus on are reducing your sugar intake and increasing your probiotic intake.
Why? Yeast thrives on sugar, so limiting sugary foods and drinks can help starve the infection. At the same time, probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, which may have been disrupted by the antifungal medication.
Good sources of probiotics include yogurt and kefir. You can also consider taking a probiotic supplement to boost your intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which antifungal is safe while breastfeeding?
Generally, topical antifungals like nystatin and miconazole are considered safe for use while breastfeeding. However, it’s always best to consult with your doctor or a lactation consultant to determine the most appropriate and safest option for your specific situation.
Can I breastfeed with antifungal cream?
Yes, breastfeeding is generally safe while using antifungal cream. Just be sure to apply the cream after breastfeeding or at least an hour before the next feeding to minimize any potential exposure to your baby.
Which oral antifungal is safe in breastfeeding?
Fluconazole is often prescribed as an oral antifungal and is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. However, it’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to make an informed decision. They can assess your individual needs and prescribe the most suitable medication.
What yeast infection medication is safe for breastfeeding?
Topical medications like clotrimazole, miconazole, and nystatin are usually the first-line treatment for yeast infections during breastfeeding. These options have minimal absorption into the bloodstream, reducing the risk to your baby. Again, consulting your doctor is crucial, especially when considering treatments like gentian violet.
Do I need to wipe off antifungal cream before breastfeeding?
While it’s not always necessary, wiping off excess antifungal cream before breastfeeding is a good practice. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently remove any visible cream from your nipple and areola. This helps minimize the amount of medication your baby may ingest.
Key Takeaways
If you think you have a yeast infection while breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. Good hygiene and changes to your diet can help. Your doctor can also prescribe medication that’s safe to use while breastfeeding.
With the right treatment, you can continue to breastfeed safely. Breast milk is safe to use during treatment, but label your milk clearly if you’re pumping and using antifungal creams.