Persistant oral thrush in 9 w.o

[mishkamoo]

9 w.o DS has had oral thrush since about 1w.o. Has had treatment with Daktarin gel, and nystatin oral wash and it seems to be getting worse. I have Canestan for boobs. Doctors only suggestion was to stop bf/use expressed milk until it clears up, but I dn't want to stop bf, and I don't even know if he'll take a bottle at the mo. HV suggested Acidophilus (for me). Anyone got any other ideas/suggestions?

Hi
I understand how you are feeling. My DD1 hd it from two weeks until 16 weeks and we just passed it back and forth to each other. DD2 is 14 weeks and she and I also got it at 8/9 weeks.

The girls had nystatin and the gp at first prescribed me cream with dd1. This didn't work as if its deep in the breast it doesn't penetrate deep enough to clear it. Suggest you continue to treat ds with whatever treatment you are using and you ask your dr for fluconazole tablets. This has cleared mine up both times and I and dd2 are clear of it now.

Fluconazole isn't licensed for use in bf mothers so you may experience some resistance from your dr. Its a loading dose of 150mg on the first day and 100mg per day after that. A 28 day course should be sufficient.

Also check your diet - avoid sugary things, bread and other foods which include yeast as it thrives on this. I have also been eating a pro biotic yoghurt this time.

I hope this helps - having been there twice I know how difficult it can be.

Sorry - 28 tablets at 50mg should be sufficient - not a 28 day course!

My 8 week old has had two rounds of nystatin now and it isn't clearing so I will watch this with interest!

It hasn't passed to me and it doesn't seem to bother her - does it bother your DS?

DS had it for ages from about 16w (3 lots of Nystatin, one tube of daktarin) and at times wouldn't feed. (Personally, I can't really see what BF has to do with it - I wouldn't give up.) I gave him acidophilus in expressed milk as well which had a bit of an effect. It only really cleared up once he got into eating solids though.

Are you on antibiotics, btw? I suspect that my ab's after the c-section, and some DS took for infections kicked it all off.

Hi Have you tried Grapefruit seed extract. I took it myself and then wiped my nipples and DD's mouth out with a weak mixture (25drops in 100ml water) Before and after each feed. This stopped me getting it from her and cleared her up in a few days. It is worth a try. We couldn't use Nystatin as it gave DD the most horrible colic.

Thanks for your repolies. Does anyone know the dose for me to take of Acidophilus?? Where can I et grapefruit seed extract?? It doesn't seem to be bothering DS although he is a bit more fussy feeding at the mo but could just be a phase. Initially I had a few shooting pains in boobs but not had any for ages-just have very pink shiny nipples!!