My baby has oral thrush. Can it affect me if I'm breastfeeding?

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that grows typically on the sides of the mouth and also sometimes on the tongue of your baby. If you are breastfeeding it may spread to your nipples as well, especially if your nipples are sore or cracked. Both mummy and baby has to be treated when that happens as thrush can be spread to and back if only one party is treated. How to know if you have thrush? -nipples that don't heal despite baby having a good latch -itchy nipples -having a burning sensation on your nipples -pink, red or shiny nipples with white spots -nipples are sore despite a good latch Ductal thrush can also occur when the bacteria gets into your body through your milk ducts and causes a deep pain in your breasts. Thrush can be treated by applying an antifungal cream on your nipples prescribed by a doctor. Your baby's mouth and bum has to be treated as well. If the thrush has entered your body then antibiotics may also be prescribed by your doctor. In most scenarios, I think the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to play safe. Practice frequent sterilisation for all toys, teats, bottles or towels that comes into contact with you and your baby. Taking probiotics also helps to remove the bacteria that allows thrush to thrive in your digestive tracts. http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a8486/breastfeeding-and-thrush

You can continue breastfeeding even if your baby has oral thrush. Both baby and mother should be treated simultaneously to prevent the infection from being passed to and fro mother and baby. http://sg.theasianparent.com/oral-thrush-in-babies/

Not to worry mummy, you can still continue breastfeeding while your LO is treated for thrush.

thanks