Stop Fungal Infection From Happening During Breastfeeding

breastfeedingBecoming a new mother is always a challenging adventure. You want to make sure that you do what is best for your baby.

Breast milk offers your newborn colostrums which is really good for your baby’s health.

Colostrums are full of antibodies that will give your baby a head start with his or her health.

Breast milk is secreted out of the mammary gland of the breast.

You will want to be careful though when breastfeeding your newborn and make sure that you do not get any fungal infection that can affect you or your baby.

Candida

It is easy to get a fungal infection when you are breast feeding. This type of infection is commonly referred to as thrush. You might also hear it called a yeast infection.

A fungal infection known as Candida can make itself a home all over your nipples and can even creep inside your breast. It is a fungus that is normally already present in your body and is kept at bay by good bacteria that your body has.

Your body sometimes can get an imbalance of bacteria that will cause Candida to grow.

Symptoms of Fungal Infection

If your nipples become too sore and stay that way for a long period of time then you may have a fungal infection. Make sure that this soreness is not due to your newborn suckling at your breast and making your nipples sore.

If your nipples have not been hurting while you are breastfeeding and then all of a sudden they begin to hurt then this could be a sign of Candida starting.

Your nipples might appear to be cracked. They may itch and feel very uncomfortable. Sometimes they might even get sores.

If you find yourself suffering any of these symptoms or get sharp pains going through your breasts at any time, you may want to contact your physician.

Causes of Infection

Health problems such as diabetes can predispose you for a fungal infection of the breast. Another reason you may get a fungal infection is if you are taking antibiotics or other forms of medication such as birth control pills.

Prevention

You will not want your baby contracting this fungal infection so you will need to take some precautions to avoid this from happening. Make sure you keep your breasts as dry and clean as possible.

You will want to wash any items that have come in contact with the fungal infection. This not only includes pads you are using for nursing but also pacifiers, nipples on your baby’s bottle, and any toys your baby has been playing with.

You will want to boil the pacifiers, baby toys, parts for your breast pump, and baby bottle nipples. The hot water will get rid of any fungal infection that may have started to grow there.

You might even want to throw these away once you have been treated for the infection.

It could take quite awhile for your fungal infection to disappear. Taking these precautions will ensure that you do not make the infection spread any further.

Your physician will be able to help you with any questions or concerns that you may have about your fungal infection.

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