3 Month Old Has Thrush for Second Time

Just getting over yeast for the second time. Both my daughter and I were on Diflucan for 10 days and I was using Nystatin cream topically. Didn't even touch it. Gentian violet is the way to go, along with the all purpose nipple cream (APNC), messy but got relief very quickly. Price chopper on 135th and Murlen has gentian violet on hand. Other pharm. said they could order. APNC can be mixed at Stark Pharmacy, but you will need a prescription. Also, consider taking acidopholis supplement. Good luck!
http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Candida-Protocol.asp
http://www.bflrc.com/newman/breastfeeding/fluconz.htm
http://www.bflrc.com/newman/breastfeeding/gentviol.htm

I agree, I had trouble with my providers not knowing how to treat a breast yeast infection, and that you and your baby must be treated at the same time. I suggest contacting your local La Leche League leader http://www.llli.org/Web/Kansas.html, they will have many suggestions, there are many ways to prevent candida (the fungus that is yeast) and to stop it from spreading. Also, there is a lot of good information out there, such as on Dr. Jack Newman's site, http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Candida-Protocol.asp. I know how painful it is when you have yeast and are trying to nurse. Don't stop pestering your doctor until you are satisfied. Often yeast comes after taking an antibiotic (I am not sure why you are taking one), just as some women get vaginal yeast infections when they take an antibiotic, so if you know you need to take one in the future, you may want to take some precautions such as taking a pro biotic (yogurt or acidopholis in tablet or capsule form), wiping your nipples and your baby's bottom with a vinegar/water solution (I think the recommendation is 1T vinegar/1c water), changing your breast pads frequently and airing out your nipples, etc.

If you can afford an Rx, I recommend the "Dr. Newman's All-purpose Nipple Ointment" as recommended on the site (and by LLL), not only does it help prevent and get rid of yeast, it is safe for your baby and it REALLY helps with the pain.

My first daughter and I battled yeast and passed back and forth for 9 painful months. I wish I had been more forceful and persistent with my doctor. With my second, I got yeast, but we knew what to do and I insisted upon it, and though it was awful, it was not a constant battle.

I hope you find some help.

K.

Nursing mothers are at risk for developing Candida infections on their breasts (this is called mastitis) and can be treated with the same medication that is used for infants. When my baby and me suffered with chronic thrush the doctor not only prescribed Nystatin medication for my daughter but also a topical cream for my breasts and nipples so we wouldn't keep passing the yeast back and forth to each other. Also, always make sure your breasts are clean and dry. I would let mine air dry for a few minutes after nursing. It can be frustrating and like pins and needles pain in your breasts but it can get better so don't give up.

I've also heard it recommended to watch your intake of sugar and yeast-containing foods you eat. Foods such as bread and wine encourage candida growth. Also yeast infections of any kind require an anti-fungal medication and not an antibiotic. There is a difference, but some anti-fungals do require your Dr. to write a prescription. Different yeast infections require different treatments/medications.

**The thing that finally worked for us is called Gentian Violet.** I heard about it from a lactation consultant at Children's Mercy. It is VERY effective, but stains skin purple for several days...our daughter had a stained mouth and face and even my breast was purple. We even took pictures because it was so messy we wanted to have a pic for her baby book. You'll need to wear old clothes and dress your baby in onesizes or clothes that are NOT her Sunday best. And, don't plan any family photos for a few weeks. I could not find this in most pharmacies but had to have it specially ordered in from a smaller drug store instead of a chain like CVS Pharmacy, Walmart, etc. It may be more accessible but you'll need to check around. You do not need a prescription and a tiny bottle goes a long way. If I remember right, it wasn't that expensive. I would dip a Q-Tip in it and then swab it generously around in the cheeks of my baby's mouth. My breasts turned purple when she would nurse. But if your truly tired of fiddling with the thrush and want results than I would recommend the Gentian Violet...it was worth the mess for me and I was glad to give my baby girl relief she needed as well. Good Luck!

I had a yeast infection for several weeks after my son was born, although he never developed thrush. An antibiotic isn't going to get rid of it. Talk to your Dr and your pediatrician. You both need to be treated at the same time - your child with Nystatin, and you with Difflucan (but it has to be at a dose specific to an infection in your breasts, not what you would take for a vaginal yeast infection). But you both have to be treated or you'll just keep passing it back and forth. Antibiotics can actually be counter productive for a yeast infection, so if that's the only reason you're taking it, I would stop. If your doctor persists in prescribing the antibiotic, I would get a 2nd opinion. I found that my providers at the time had no idea how to treat a yeast infection in my breasts. Good luck. I know how painful it can be!