Thrush whilst breastfeeding - can I buy something over the counter

[Scootingthebreeze]

Hi, have realised that I have developed (very painful) thrush in my nipples and my toddler appears to have patches in her mouth. Im in a lot of pain when she's feeding so can I buy something over the counter for us both? Im keen not to take up out of hours doctors time if don't need to.

I don’t believe you can buy treatment for your little one over the counter but don’t quote me on that!

My baby and I have recently recovered from mouth and nipple thrush. You will need to make a docs appointment to get treatment for both of you as you will keep passing it between you if you don’t treat both at the same time.
There isn’t anything you can get OTC for the baby but you can use Canesten cream on your nipples (this is what I was prescribed). This will help your symptoms temporarily, is safe for breastfeeding and you can buy it OTC. I’d really recommend using it until you can get an appt as it will really ease the discomfort.
My baby was prescribed Nystatin liquid which you give after a feed 4 times a day. Both of us were clear of symptoms within a week.
Do get seen ASAP. I stupidly waited for a few days and we both got really uncomfortable :(
Hope that helps!

It was the normal Canesten cream that you use for vaginal thrush. I found that you need to use it quite liberally to have a good effect (pea size application per nipple each time)
Also I tried to wash my nipples after each feed, before I applied the cream. It was a pain to do this each time but I think it helped.

Thanks everyone. I have some of that cream so I'm going to start using it and book a docs appointment.