OK, knocked UTI out with ABs - now need to fend off thrush...?

[5goldrings4MONKEYBIRDs]

Had thrush in nipples and ducts before and it was awful. Have had no choice but to take antibiotics for cystitis...

Can anyone help with prophylaxis against getting thrush, as I've had such a rough time feeding all 3 babies, one nipple is still sore and occasionally damaged so I'm really paranoid...?

• I've got some probiotic tablets (4 billion whatevers I think) - how many and how often should I take?

• will it help or harm to use Daktarin cream/oral gel as a prophylactic?

-if it would help to do these things, do I start now or wait until ABs finished?

-anything else I should be doing?

Thanks so much everyone..
Monkeybird

[Davidsmom]

No harm to try Daktarin oral gel. Although I dont think it helps for established thrush in ducts could possibly "ward it off"/prevent.

What Ab's are you on not all make thrush likely.

[5goldrings4MONKEYBIRDs]

have got 500mg of cefalexin twice a day for 3 days...

TIA

[Davidsmom]

Hmmm. Prob good idea to try and prevent given prev probs.

I would try the oral gel so can treat you both. Otherwise you could ask GP to give you fluconazole (presume you used those tabs before to get rid of thrush) to cover you while on Ab's.

At least they didnt give you 7 day course!

[mmelody]

Raw garlic helps, there is a link on kthe kellymom site (do a search) You have to eat 3-4 cloves a day for a few days but it cleared mine up twice.

[TheBlonde]

Grapefruit seed extract tablets worked for me

[5goldrings4MONKEYBIRDs]

Thanks - eat loads of garlic anyway (but not raw!) Have some odourless capsules also so will chug a few of those...

...TheBlonde - where did you get grapefruit seed extract from, please?

[NineUnlovelyTinselDecorations]

Mmelody your milk must have tasted....interesting Glad it worked though.

[NineUnlovelyTinselDecorations]

Sorry, meant to add that you should try and avoid creating conditions where thrush can thrive, so keep your nipples as cool and dry as possible. Wash your bra every day at 60 degees.

[mmelody]

Yeah the garlic is VERY antisocial and 5goldrings..apparantly cooked garlic is no good,has to be raw... My DS didnt seem too bothered by it but his poo was green and interesting for a few days. I hope you feel better soon.

[Trimum2]

Advice from doctor to me was:

1. Wash boobs after every feed
   
2. Change breastpads at every feed
   
3. Take ACIDOPHOLUS as soon as you start ABs
   
4. Wash bras at high temp frequently (see daily written here above)
   
5. Eat LOTS of probiotic yogurts
   
6. Use infant acidopholus for baby (available in pharmacies - in the fridge not on the shelf... add a few drops to expressed ebm bottle once a day)
   
7. Try to limit sugar intake if possible (yeah right)
   
   Good luck...!