paranoid question about thrush

[pancakeisuptheduff]

Can it lurk on clothing/equipment and be reactivated? I'm pregnant with number 3 and due in about a month so just started digging out all my old gear-- nursing bras, reusable breast pads, breast pump, bottles etc. (I did sterilise everything before I put it away) I had repeated bouts of thrush with dd and ds and am anxious that I could give it to myself again with my old stuff.

I am aware this sounds pretty paranoid! But I recently caught athlete's foot after wearing a pair of shoes that had been put away for a year and I'm convinced the fungus was lurking in them just waiting for an opportunity to attack a nice clean pair of feet.

I think it probably can be actually. I think if you boil sterilised everything, you'd be ok. I would be wary about reusing clothing and breast pads, though - might be as well to invest in some new ones, just to make sure. I would maybe start taking prebiotics now as well. There are some good sachets that I am taking by optibac - google optibac prebiotic for infants.

Sorry I never thanked you for your response haggis; winter vomiting interfered with MNing for a couple of weeks there (sick children! Keeping me from MNetting! The nerve!)

I noticed that some soft plastic/rubber parts of things (like shields for breast pump, shells etc.) have a sort of bloom on them despite the fact I cleaned and sterilised them scrupulously before putting away, so I think I'm going to chuck everything that's not hard plastic and order new ones. I think you're right about the breast pads; just seems such a waste; and am reluctant to fork out all over again for new bras... maybe I could soak them in Milton or would that wreck them?

When you have thrush advice is to boil anything that cones into contact with nipple or if you leak, then even bedding, tops etc so I would guess if you boil your bras you should be fine. I had thrush with dd (4 months) & ttc #2. asked mw friend of mine what the chances of having thrush when bfing no.2 & she said probable. I think it must be dormant in your system. Good idea to take preventative measures. Really hope you don't get it!

So the consensus seems to be boiling. Better dig out my biggest stockpot!