Yeast infections in nursing children also are called thrush and are caused by the yeast fungus candida albicans. Thrush in a breastfeeding baby also indicates a yeast infection in the mother. Thrush causes pain for the breastfeeding mother and baby and can be very hard to eliminate. Treatment may be necessary for the whole family and not just mother and baby.
Symptoms in the Mother
Signs of thrush include breast and nipple pain, burning and itching around the nipples, cracked nipples that do not heal, a vaginal yeast infection and nipples that appear shiny.
Symptoms in the Baby
Sometimes no symptoms occur, but breastfeeding babies with thrush may have creamy, white patches in their mouths that do not wipe off, fussiness during nursing or a yeast diaper rash.
Predisposition
Antibiotic use, even before or during birth, by the breastfeeding mother or baby predisposes the pair to thrush. Living in a hot, humid climate or being diabetic also increases your susceptibility.
Prevention
Apply a lanolin-based nipple cream to keep nipples from drying out. Change your diet to consume less sugar, yeast, dairy products and alcohol.
Treatment
Both the nursing mother and baby need treatment with anti-fungal medication. Thorough cleaning of clothing and baby supplies in hot water helps prevent re-infection.
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