Any advice on how to deal with recurring yeast infection in the nipples for a breastfeeding mom? I've tried Nystatin (worked after several painful weeks) and recently tried vinegar, but it's not working. I've heard of using gentian violet--has anyone has success with that, or other remedies or meds?
Thanks to everyone for the advice and concern! I got rid of the yeast, or at least got it back in balance--here's what I did, based on your advice and on some information I read online: I cut all sugar--including most fruits and yellow/orange vegetables--and yeast from my diet for several days and reduced after that (it was hard!); gave my nipples a good sunbath for three days in a row; applied a vinegar solution to my nipples after every feeding (as many as I could); took 3 doses of probiotics a day, and gave the baby a tiny dose 3 x a day; changed my pads after every feed or pumping, slept topless and washed bras & towels every day; boiled my pumping gear every night; and got an acupuncture treatment plus herbs from my doc. My condition was a lot better in a couple days and pretty much back to normal after a week or two. Now I try to keep my sugar intake moderate and keep up the yogurt and probiotics for me and the baby. Thanks again; this is a great resource!
You're going to continue to get reinfected unless your son's thrush is treated. (Even if your son doesn't have any symptoms, he still needs to be treated because if you have it, he does too.) Your doctor should be able to treat you both at the same time which should wipe out the yeast. Also eating lots of foods with live and active cultures helps to keep yeast in check all over.
Hi J.,
I agree with Teresa. You need to have your son treated for thrush or he will continue to give it back to you. I know how painful it is. Try to limit the refined sugars in your diet and eat yogurt with live cultures too. Good luck and don't miss a dose of medication as it isn't effective unless taken as directed for the complete series.
L.
Hi J. -
My daughter and I had such a bad case of thrush (in her mouth, and on my nipples) that I actually had to stop breastfeeding her when she was 6 months old. Even though she was being treated with nystasin and I was using over the counter anti-fungal on my nipples (it was Lotrimin, but not the atheletes foot type, the "jock itch" type which I had to wash off before I nursed her) the constant contact between mouth and nipple prevented either of us from healing. We just kept passing it back and forth to each other - I was so cracked and bleeding that there was blood even in the breastmilk I pumped, and had to switch to formula to suppliment. This went on for weeks, and I was bound and determined to tough it out and keep breastfeeding, but we were both just so unhappy with me cracked and bleeding and blood in her breastmilk and even in her spit-up, I gave up. After a good week or so of little to no mouth to breast contact while still treating my own nipples with the lotrimin and her with the nystasin, the thrush went away. I never really went back to breast feeding after that because I'd stopped pumping to heal as well, but IM sure I COULD have started nursing again had I wanted to.
You need to be able to suppliment with a bottle (with your pumped breastmilk) so that your nipples and her mouth can have a chance to "dry out" and heal, or it will never go away. Use the over the counter anti-fungal on your nipples, the nystasin for the baby, and try to nurse only a few times a day, and give him the breast milk in the bottle and you should clear up in about a week.
I had thrush for 5 months with my first son and no one could seem to help me. All the skin on my nipples had come off and were completly red and inflamed...I had cramps in my back from the pain and not to mention the bottles of Nystatin that myself and the baby went through. I finally went to my local Le Leche League meeting and that is where I found some wonderful information on taking Diflucan tablets. I had to talk with my doctor and I just told him this is what I wanted to try. I took two tablets the first day and then one tablet daily for thirteen days after that. I know that sounds like a lot...but I will tell you after two days I could see a huge difference and the pain was gone. By the time that I was done with all the meds the yeast was gone and never came back. The main thing is that you still need to treat the baby as well as yourself until you dont see anymore thrush and the meds are finished. Believe me when I say that it worked!!! I swear by it. I tried everything and nothing worked. Creams, Nystatin, G.Violet. I would also encourage you to make sure that your nipples stay as dry as possible and change your breast pads anytime they get wet. Hope this helps!
Hi there. I am currently going through the same thing. Apparently I have had thrush for 4 months. It is getting better but I am still sore. I have used Gentian Violet; however, make sure to put vaseline on your baby's face so that his face doesn't stain. It fades pretty quickly. I went to a lactation consultant at Maternal Expressions in Folsom and she said to do the gentian violet for 3-4 days and then re-evaluate. I used it at night before bed. In addition she told me to use what they call All Purpose Nipple Ointment (Polysporin, Miconozole, and Cortizone creams mixed together and lightly coated on the nipple 3 times a day except when using Gentian Violet).
***I found Gentian Violet at Bel Air/Raley's for $3.50, Long and Walgreens could order it but it was around $8.00 and since I had to get it on a Friday, I would have had to wait until Monday to get it ***
I also found this website that I am following, as I am trying to cut some sugars out of my diet as well due to the yeast feeding on it. http://www.oz.net/~chotii/fighting_thrush.html
If you have any more questions let me know. So far it is working, slowly, but it is working.
Good Luck
***So I finally got tired of being in pain and having a purple mouthed baby. My doctor put me on Diflucan and I have been on it for 1 week and already I feel 100% better, I am starting the 2nd week of meds because I am prone to yeast infections as it is and I want to make sure that it is all gone before I stop taking the meds. The DR. stated that in worse case scenarios the meds may have to be taken for 4 weeks.****
Try Gentian violet. It's messy and your nipples and the babies mouth will be a little purple but it works wonders. You can get this at the drug store, its sometimes kept behind the counter.
Yikes. I think my doc gave me some deep purple stuff--for nipples and baby's mouth? Ask your Ob/Gyn.
Good Luck.
My daughter's doctor prescribed Nystatin. I gave a little to my daughter and put some on my nipples. Keep them clean and dry. I slept with my shirt off & no bra every night and went with out them during the day when possible. Never use breast shields. Use Gauze bandage if necessary. You want the air to get to them as much as possible. It took 4 months for mine to heal up. I almost gave up several times. I'm so happy I didn't. My little girl is 8 1/2 months now.
I also took a pill for severe yeast infection. I don't remember the name, but it's very strong & prescribed by my ob.
Good luck.
what was said below about thrush is absolutely right. if it keeps coming back, your son is a carryer or has an untreated infection. ask your pediatrition right away!!
