Has anyone experienced Breast Thrush?

Eve Lu - posted on 04/17/2010

Yes, I have been ringing a couple of lactation consultant in my area. Hopefully I can see one of them on Monday. And I spoke to a couple of them over the phone, I have been advised that for now I should only express my painful breast, or use nipple shield. But I am so scared that pain gonna come back to me again. Let's see what the lactation's advise on Monday. Thank you for your response.

Allison - posted on 04/17/2010

Have you considered a lactation consultant or La Leche League leader? I find they are much more knowledgable about breastfeeding issues than a GP. To find one in your area, and for free advice, you can call a La Leche League group leader, and use their website:

http://www.llli.org/nb.html

My son had severe thrush, but it didn't hurt for us (I think it does for many people). It is true that antibiotics can cause thrush (because natural bacteria usually keep the yeasts under control). We tried many rounds of anti-fungal treatments, both prescription and over-the-counter, and the ONLY thing that ever worked was yogurt, applied to my nipples and his mouth several times a day.

I would definitely suggest that you speak with a more experienced breastfeeding professional. I am so sorry for the pain you are having, and I hope you can find some answers!!!

Eve Lu - posted on 04/17/2010

Today I went to see my GP for the third time and I were told my symptom is not nipple thrush, but the trauma of breastfeeding (i.e. Nipple trauma). Three time three different diagnoses (two different GPs). First time I were told that I got breast infection. Second time the diagnose of my symptom is Thrush. Now it's the trauma of breastfeeding as I told my GP the pain only happened half hour after breastfeeding (i.e.there is no pain if I express).

I am completely lost after I got that advice and not convinced at all. Has anyone ever had the similar experience like me?

Thanks in advance!

Meghan - posted on 04/16/2010

me and my son kept passing it back and forth for almost 2 months. The doc was treating him and since I had no symptems she didn't treat me. The only thing that cleared it up for us was yogurt

Eve Lu - posted on 04/16/2010

Many thanks for your advice below

K.C. - posted on 04/16/2010

Well Eve, we don't generally take antibiotics for thrush so maybe the doctor thinks there is something else going on too. (antiobiotics even cause thrush!) If it is just thrush you can treat it quite easily. If it is not the nipples just use some form of antifungal cream and a probiotic. If it is the nipples, treat them with oral thrush solutions (Daktarin, Nilstat) and make sure you treat bubs as well if she is still breastfed. When you treat bubs, make sure it is AFTER a meal. Taking a probiotic is also effective and counteracts the side-efefcts of the antibiotics as well. While you are taking antibiotics (???) make sure you separate the doses by two hours. Best if you take the probiotic (see your pharmacy/health food store) two hours after your last antibiotic before bed. If there is inflammation involved you may need an antifungal/hydrocortisone cream. The hydrocortisone will help relieve the inflammation but make sure you apply it after a feed and wash your nipples properly before the next feed.

Shirley - posted on 04/16/2010

I haven't had it but my sister inlaw had it badly when she had my niece. Are you treating your baby too? You need to treat both of you otherwise you keep infecting eachother and it is a viscious circle. My sister inlaw used an antifungal I think Nilstat for her breast and for my nieces mouth. A topical nipple cream should help with the pain. You can also have panadol. The pain you are getting is from the inflammation of the skin so the sooner you clear up the thrush the better your nopples will feel. The antifungal should start to work and relieve your pain after 1-2 applications. It is important that you continue the treatment even after the symptoms disappear. I think the course of treatment is 1 week or so.I'm not sure why you are on antibiotics as it is a fungal infection not a bacterial one. Are you getting any symptoms of a systemic infection? like a fever? Maybe you should see a different GP if he/she is not getting it right.