Thrush

[Lilacs]

My little one developed a mild case of thrush and was prescribed Nystatin drops. I was told to rub some of the Nystatin on my nipples as well for preventative. It just looks like a milk stain on her tongue but when rubbed it doesn't come off. It's been 2 weeks and I don't see it clearing up. I'm worried that it might progress and get worst if doesn't clear up.

My nipples started to get sore recently as well so I'm freaking out. I am worried that I'm infected and we're passing it back and to each other. Maybe we need to get that violet stuff -- I was hoping we wouldn't have to and that this Nystatin would do it since it was so mild.

Both me and my little one were on antibiotics. They found out I had an infection - leak in my amniotic fluid. I was on it during labor and delivery and after. They put my little one on antibiotics right after birth. Her ped told us that antibiotics can cause yeast infection hence the thrush.

Is there an effective way of administering these drops? I've been trying different strategies to see which is more effective. Initially, I just squirt the solution it into each side of her mouth, each time. She spits some of it out but swallows most of it.

When I saw it wasn't really clearing up, I tried a different way of administering the drops. I put some on my finger and rub it onto her tongue until the dosage was met -- this takes a long time! The drops are liquidy so it runs off my finger so I can only rub a little at a time and the process can take a while. And my little one isn't always the most cooperative. Sometimes, she will shut her mouth tight. For a someone who doesn't have teeth and all gums, she sure reflects like she has teeth!

Last night, I started to drip the solution onto a cotton bud and rub on her tongue and sides of her mouth. I did this several times, each time. This was much easier than rubbing it with my finger. I don't know if this is a more effective way but we will see.

I'm super worried. How do I know if my nipples have been infected? I read online that the infection could spread into my milk ducts. When I read that, I literally had a nervous breakdown. If my nipples are in fact infected, can I still breastfeed?

It's been 2 weeks. Should this have already cleared up especially since it was so mild?

[PrincessBride]

No advice or knowledge but I hope someone can help you soon!

((((hugs))))

[SC-Sherb]

Hi Lilacs. Have you called your pedi and brought her back in to be checked? I would probably do that and also there is a breastfeeding board here as well, you might get some more answers there. Good luck and I hope it clears up soon. I know it can be frustrating.

[BC-lisa in venice]

Diflucan! Both of you get an Rx for it. The stuff is magic when you have thrush. You need to wash all of your bras in bleach and if they can't be bleached they need to be washed in hot, hot water and hung in the sun to dry (sun light kills the yeastie beasties) On the homeopathic side you can paint you nipple with gentian violate and sitting topless in the sun helps but it does not work as quickly as the Diflucan. It doesn't hurt to do both.

[Lilacs]

Thanks ladies. I actually spoke to the ped the other day and she has instructed me to stay with the Nystatin drops as she prescribed - 4 times a day. She also wants me to wash the nipples with warm water after feedings and apply the drops onto the nipples 4 times a day for 3 days....air dry before wearing clothes and the nipples should get better. The drops are to be given to the baby after feedings and not before. She told me it will take about 6 weeks for the thrush to clear up. And since it's very mild she doesn't feel it is necessary to change up the medication. She told me to be a little more patient.

I just hope it does get clear up! I just don't want it to get worst. I saw some scary photos online when I googled Thrush. EEKS!

[Mrs.H]

Diflucan! Both of you get an Rx for it. The stuff is magic when you have thrush. You need to wash all of your bras in bleach and if they can't be bleached they need to be washed in hot, hot water and hung in the sun to dry (sun light kills the yeastie beasties) On the homeopathic side you can paint you nipple with gentian violate and sitting topless in the sun helps but it does not work as quickly as the Diflucan. It doesn't hurt to do both.

Diflucan - absolutely!!

[BC-lisa in venice]

Are things better? Clearly your Dr has never tried to nurse thru a bout of thrush if she thinks that six weeks is at all reasonable to live with thrush. It is uncomfortable and can cause the baby to develop a bad latch making it downright painful.

[Lilacs]

Thanks ladies.

The thrush is still there. I noticed the patches are starting to go away, but it's still there. Lo doesn't seem to be in pain or uncomfortable when nursing.

As for my nipples, the swelling and soreness are gone. I've been putting on her drops, alternating with Lansinol every other time and that helped tremendously. I'm just relieved the pain is no more. I was so worried that the nipples are infected and that the infection will travel into my milk ducts.

What is Diflucan? Is that an injection or drops that they can give to both me and Lo? Is it only for extreme thrush? I may ask my ped for it if I don't see a further improvement with Lo's thrush.

Thanks!

[Mrs.H]

Diflucan is a single dose pill that you take to rid your body of the unwanted yeast.

[Mollyd]

Diflucan is a single dose pill that you take to rid your body of the unwanted yeast.

When my two had thrush in the NICU, they were getting Nystanin drops. (my DD hate them and we had to stop because of issues she was having with them, and she was too young or so they told me for Diflucan). Anyway my OB put me on the Diflucan to 14 days to make sure it was all out of my system. The lactation consultants were very pleased that he put me on it for that long and said that is what needs to be done in cases where it has gone on for so long.