Breast and nipple infections and irritation among the breastfeeding mothers has become a very natural and common scene during the post-pregnancy period. Are you going through the breastfeeding phase of motherhood? If yes, this article is going to be very informative and a self-awareness learning, about one of the common breast distress, called ‘thrush’.
When talked about ‘thrush’ symptoms, most of us relate it to vaginal infections or discomfort in the baby’s mouth. Nevertheless, ‘thrush’ symptoms are also seen in the nipple region of the breasts of the women, frequently referred to as ‘nipple thrush’. Let’s understand, the basics first.
What is Thrush?
A very frequent question among the breastfeeding moms. A yeast infection caused by the fungus Candida, which usually affects the baby’s mouth and the nipples of the mother. Yeast is an integral substance of our digestive system. But, when overdosed, the same yeast can cause the infection in the breasts. The process of breastfeeding leads to the infection from the child to the mother.
What causes this infection?
As we know it is a fungal disease. This fungus usually prospers in wet, warm, damp, and moist places. Usually the baby’s mouth. An appropriate place for the fungus to do its job. If your nipples are already sore or cracked, it becomes an easy path for the fungus to penetrate inside the mother’s body and infect the nipples. So, it is important that mothers are cautious about breast changes and examine the nipples on a regular basis.
An enlarged pink or red shiny nipple is a symptom of thrush. Sometimes, even sore nipples are also a sign of thrush leading to extensive pain in the nipples and breast. Itchy nipples, burning sensation, breast discomfort, shooting pains of the breast for prolonged hours, etc., are some of the signs and symptoms of thrush in breastfeeding mothers.
If the pain and scars on the breast are consistent, it is better to consult a doctor. An anti-fungal medication in the form of a cream drops, and pills would be traditionally prescribed by the doctor.
There are few home remedies that mothers can adopt to reduce the thrush symptoms. Adding garlic to the diet is one of the most commonly used home remedies to treat thrush besides taking the medicines. Some mothers are also advised to cleanse the nipples with half vinegar and half water solution and dry it completely, to ensure the inhabitation of the yeast. A grapefruit seed extract can also be applied to the nipple or mothers can also consume the same orally. It is an anti-fungal cleanser for the body. A safe product for the mother and babies.
A hygienic health and environment are essential for the healthy development of the baby and the mother. The mothers should religiously practice of washing hands at regular intervals. The baby’s body and mother’s body must always be clean and dried. The mother should use hygienic lingerie and change them every day, if possible twice a day during the early phase of breastfeeding. A proper professional treatment with clean and hygienic home habits would help you heal the thrush. If not, it’s time to get back to the doctor and go for other treatments.
