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The reason for breastfeeding pain no one talks about

Breastfeeding is often seen as a beautiful and bonding experience between a mother and her baby. However, when pain is involved, it can quickly become a source of stress and frustration. One cause of breastfeeding pain thatdoesn’t get talked about enough is thrush. Understanding and addressing thrush can pave the way for a more comfortable breastfeeding journey.

 

What is Thrush?

Thrush is a yeast infection that can affect both mom and baby. It’s caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast naturally present in our bodies. This overgrowth can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Thrush can impact one or both members of the breastfeeding dyad—meaning mother and baby. Regardless of who is showing symptoms, it’s crucial to treat both to prevent continuous reinfection.

Why Both Mom and Baby Need to Be Treated

Yeast infections are highly contagious. If you only treat the person who is symptomatic—whether it’s the mother or the baby—the infection is likely to be passed back and forth, causing recurring outbreaks.

Symptoms in Mothers

Mothers with thrush may experience:

  • Painful Nursing: One of the most common symptoms is pain during breastfeeding, which can feel like razor blades when latching the baby.
  • Appearance of Nipples: The nipples may look shiny or appear red and inflamed. They might not always look white and chunky as commonly depicted.

Symptoms in Babies

Babies may present with:

  • Oral Thrush: This isn’t always the typical white coating on the tongue that you might expect. More critical signs include a red and angry-looking mouth.
  • Feeding Discomfort: Like the mother, the baby might be sore during feeding, resulting in a generally unhappy demeanor.
  • Diaper Rash: Thrush can also present as a persistent diaper rash, adding to the baby’s discomfort.

The Importance of Diagnosing Thrush

Recognizing the symptoms of thrush is essential for timely and effective treatment. If you’re experiencing persistent pain while breastfeeding or if your baby shows signs of discomfort, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider. A proper diagnosis can help ensure that both you and your baby receive the necessary treatment.

Treatment for Thrush

Thrush treatment typically involves antifungal medications for both mother and baby. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: They can prescribe the appropriate antifungal medications for you and your baby.
  2. Hygiene Measures: Keep the breastfeeding area clean and dry. Wash and sterilize any items that come into contact with yeast—such as breast pumps, pacifiers, and feeding bottles.
  3. Complete the Treatment: Ensure that both you and your baby finish the full course of treatment to prevent a recurrence of the infection.

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling with breastfeeding pain and think thrush might be the cause, remember that you’re not alone. Thrush is a common issue that can be addressed with the right treatment and care. The most critical takeaway is to treat both you and your baby to break the cycle of reinfection and to consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

For those dealing with thrush, it’s time to open up the discussion and seek the help you need. If you have any questions or experiences to share, let’s start the conversation in the comments. Breastfeeding should be a comforting experience for both mother and baby, and addressing conditions like thrush can help make that a reality.

 

If you need more support

I lead a team of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners around the globe, who share my programs and who I personally mentor.

If you are struggling with your baby or child, you can reach out and we can help. We also offer women’s health services and would love to see you too. Our services are often covered through insurance.

You can find the nurse closest to you here. If you need more help you can reach out to [email protected].

Thank you so much for being a part of our community,

Carrie Bruno RN, IBCLC, MSCP

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