Thrush - tips for dealing with it

[Stefka]

So they think I have thrush and I have a prescrption to collect today. What else should I be doing? I need to wash my bras yes? What is the best way for me to keep my breasts between feeds - exposed to the open air? Use a cream? Jelonet? I am not sure what to do.

[glaskham]

i was told just to sit topless!! you may pass it between you and baby for a couple of weeks which is a bit of a pain in the bum....but once you get out the other end its good to know you've done it!!! i advise not to wear a bra at all to be honest, just a loose t-shirt or blouse......a bra was a bit much for me to cope with!! how old is LO? is a feeding routine established? my ds was about 6mths when we had it between us but as a feeding routine was established it was good as i could feed him, get jobs etc done for an hour then have two topless on the couch before my next feeding period!!!

[Stefka]

He's only 2 weeks so no routine!

[haychee]

Open to the air.

[glaskham]

yeah....be lazy, dont worry about housework and sit topless all day!!! sure the other half wont be complaining!!! haha!!

[determination]

Dr Jack Newman recommends Gentian Violet for Thrush and this will treat both baby and mum.

check here

[Stefka]

So I shouldn't be worried about the nipples getting dry?

[gameboy]

Have you asked at the Health Food shop (e.g. Holland & Barrett etc - would something like Acidopholus work (good for vaginal thrush...) )

[Stefka]

I haven't been able to leave the house since I gave birth. The feeding probs have been so overwhelming I just don't have the confidence to go out yet.

[yelnats]

DD2 and I had thrush a few times in the early days and i used Daktarin (on prescription) for both of us and it worked a treat - didnt have to sit about topless either. Did once have some other stuff from doc cant remember the name though but it was useless.

[Stefka]

I forgot to mention I have bad cracks on my nipples which is why I am worried about them being dry.

That is the cream I have so good to know it helped! The burning pain is just horrible.

[monkeybird]

You're doing so well and it is awful if you do have thrush also but you've come so far and with such determination even when it has been really difficult.

Moist healing is best for healing cracks but can encourage thrush unfortunately; many of the treatments for thrush do dry out nipples (eg Daktarin itself can be very drying...)

I would ring the BFN and/or the NCT line for advice on how to manage both together

I'm no expert but my hunch would be to go to your GP straight for the fluconazole since this is a tablet treatment and doesn't involve cream on the nipples. If you're still using the Jelonet you need to make sure you're changing it each time you feed

[Stefka]

I have the pills too and a cream for his bum. I didn't realise that Daktarin could be drying that doesn't sound so good.

Last evening I had good feeds then the ones int he night were just awful again. So frustrating. I will call the BFN when they open and see what they say. Got the midwife out today too so I shall ask her what is best. I don't like the idea of them being dry - it doesn't seem right for some reason but I also realise that moisture and thrush are not a good combination.

[yelnats]

How did you get on with the midwife today?

[Stefka]

They discharged me yesterday as I am only meant to get 10 days care from them and they had been with me for 20. The breast feeding workers was out today and basically there is nothing more they can do for me but I am still in a lot of pain

[monkeybird]

Stefka you're really having it rough...

Please get on that phone to the NCT (0870 444 8708) or BFN (0844 412 4664) if only to let off some steam, but also to see if there is a voluntary BF counsellor in your area who can come out to you?

Thrush can take a few days before it feels better and you know what, I've got a horrible feeling I'm getting it too so I'm there with you...

I know it has been rough but remember - all this time, through all this, you've been feeding your baby yourself and we're all proud of you and hope you're feeling proud of yourself through all the pain...

[Stefka]

I have had the NCT worker out already. I have had five different people out to watch me feed now. The breast feeding woman this morning said that it is going to keep hurting until the cracks heal but every time he goes on he is opening them back up again. I can get the breast feeding support workers back out if I want to but they can't really do anything and I find that depressing. It was good to get my latch checked again today - she said it was fine. I feel more confident putting him on the breast now which is good. Doesn't stop the pain though.