Overcoming thrush in infants who are still breastfeeding & bull; hello healthy

Everyone can experience thrush, and babies are no exception. Yes, in everyone's body there is the fungus Candida albicans. This is a type of fungus that is normal in everyone's digestive system. However, this fungus can grow and spread to other parts of the body in large numbers, which can cause yeast infection or thrush. Then, how can a baby with thrush breastfeed?

What causes thrush in babies?

Thrush can grow in the mouth in a nursing baby. Canker sores thrive in warm, moist, and sweet places, such as the condition of your baby's mouth during feeding. From your baby's mouth, the fungus that causes thrush can spread to your nipples. So, the canker sores in your baby's mouth can transfer to your nipple, and vice versa from your nipple to your baby's mouth.

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Oral thrush is a common problem in babies. It can affect about 1 in 20 newborns and 1 in 7 babies aged 4 weeks. Babies can easily get thrush because the baby's immune system is not fully developed so it is less able to fight infection. In addition, mouth ulcers can also occur if your baby or you have recently been treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics can reduce the level of good bacteria in your baby's mouth or your body, thereby allowing the amount of fungus to increase in the baby's mouth or your body. Your baby or you can become more susceptible to yeast infection.

Canker sores can spread easily if your nipples are sore or if your baby is not latching on well. If you have canker sores in the baby's mouth or on your nipples, you should immediately treat them so that the yeast infection does not spread.

Can thrush babies be breastfed?

Thrush in babies is not an obstacle for you to continue giving breast milk to your baby. Your baby should continue to breastfeed even though it may be causing him pain and even if only for a short time. Mothers may need more patience when breastfeeding a baby who has thrush.

Also, all you have to do is keep the baby directly on your breast. Do not give babies breastmilk that has been stored even though it is stored in the refrigerator, as there could be fungi or bacteria in the milk. This is done to avoid infection in the baby.

What are the symptoms of a baby with thrush?

You may not immediately notice that your baby has thrush. However, you can see the symptoms shown by a baby who has thrush, such as:

White spots or small sores on the tongue, gums, roof of the mouth or the inside of the cheeks
The baby becomes restless when eating
The baby may also not want to suckle on your breast because their mouth hurts
Lips turn pale
The baby has diaper rash

The fungus that causes thrush can also pass through your baby's digestive system and cause diaper rash. The rash is usually sore and moist with red spots and can spread to the folds of the baby's skin.

If the baby shows symptoms like the above, you should immediately take the baby to the doctor in an effort to cure thrush in your baby. Continue to breastfeed your baby and keep all equipment that comes in contact with your baby's mouth so that a yeast infection that causes thrush doesn't spread.

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How to treat thrush in a breastfeeding baby?

Even though your baby has thrush, you still need to give breast milk to your baby. Your baby may be reluctant to breastfeed because of the pain in the mouth, the frequency of your baby's breastfeeding may be less, but your baby still needs breast milk as its main food.

For that, if your baby has thrush, it should be treated immediately. Thrush in babies can usually be treated with antifungal gels or fluids. It is safe for your baby to wear. Also, don't forget to wash your hands after treating your baby.

Some of the antifungal drugs that are usually used to treat thrush in babies are:

Miconazole

Miconazole is available in gel form. The way to use it is by applying the gel to the area that has thrush in the baby's mouth. Gently apply the gel with your finger. Don't forget to wash your hands first before applying the gel to the baby's mouth.

Nystatin

Nystatin is available in the form of a liquid that is used by dropping the liquid directly into the area that has thrush with a pipette. Nystatin usually does not cause side effects and is easy to use in babies.

How to prevent thrush in babies?

Thrush is caused by a fungal infection. Therefore, you need to prevent the spread of yeast infection if you want to prevent thrush. Some things you can do to prevent thrush in babies are:

Wash baby toys, bottles, nipples, and breast pumps so that all equipment is clean. You need to wash it off with soap and warm water.
Wash your hands after you change the baby's diaper to help prevent the spread of fungal infections that can pass through the baby's digestive system.
Wash your hands before breastfeeding the baby.
Use special towels for babies, separate from towels for other family members.
Wash your baby's clothes in warm water (with a temperature of 60 ° C) to kill mold and dry baby clothes in the sun.
If your breasts start chafing, they should be treated immediately so that your breasts don't get infected.
Keep your breasts dry before and after you feed your baby.

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