MOTHER AND BABY TIP #4 Don't let nipple thrush ruin your mother baby time There is no doubt that one of the most special parts of becoming a mother is the opportunity to breastfeed your new born child. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both you and your baby, including improved immunity to illness and optimal growth and development for your baby as well as fantastic bonding opportunity for mum (not to mention that breastfeeding potentially assists in losing baby weight!). However, the joy of breastfeeding can often be hampered for mums by the onset of nipple thrush. Nipple thrush (candida albicans) is a fungal infection that can affect both your breasts and your baby's mouth during breastfeeding. Nipple thrush often occurs during breastfeeding as the nipples provide the perfect warm, moist environment that thrush thrives in. How do you know if you have nipple thrush?
- Burning, itching, stinging or stabbing sensations in the breast (this pain can occur both during feeding and at times when not feeding)
- Bright pink, red, shiny or dry and flaky nipples. In some cases a white rash may occur.
- Cracked nipples that do not heal
- Signs of thrush may also be present in your baby's mouth or nappy area. Thrush in the mouth appears as white patches in the mouth (similar to milk curds), whilst thrush in the nappy area (nappy rash) will appear as a bright red rash.