What causes thrush in newborns?

Is thrush contagious when you are breastfeeding?

What causes thrush in a newborn baby? Baby mouth thrush or oral thrush is caused by a yeast called Candida Albicans.

One of the first signs of thrush in newborns is fussing and unsettled behavior during feeding. Some babies all of a sudden even refuse breastfeeding because they have a sore mouth.

What does thrush look like?

baby mouth thrush What causes thrush of the mouth in newborns.

When you examine your infant’s mouth you can see a white coating on the inside of the mouth, on the gums, tongue and throat.

Thrush in babies is painless in the beginning. But if it is not treated it can spread to the lips and even the esophagus causing baby great discomfort.

What causes thrush in babies?

First of all baby’s immune system is not well developed yet therefore making him or her more susceptible to the thrush fungus. Secondly antibiotics may cause an imbalance of the natural flora or bacteria of the body.

This may happen if your baby takes for example antibiotics for an ear infection. Finally if mother uses much sugar in her diet. Sugar provides the right environment for the thrush fungus.

What causes thrush on the nipples of nursing mothers?

Is thrush contagious?
Oral thrush in newborns is easily passed between mother and baby during breastfeeding. Mother and child should therefore both be treated to prevent them from repeatedly infecting each other.

If a pregnant woman has a vaginal infection caused by Candida, babies can also get infected during birth. For this reason it is important that any vaginal infection in the last trimester of pregnancy is treated.

Last your baby may also have a thrush diaper rash due to the fungus passing from the infant’s mouth through the intestines.

Thrush and Breastfeeding. Should you give up breastfeeding?

Even though nipples can be red, cracked and sore you should try to continue breastfeeding.

If the breastfeeding is very painful try to use a nipple shield. With the right treatment for mother and baby things will soon improve. Besides one of the benefits of breastfeeding is that it builds your baby’s immune system and protects him from viruses, bacteria and protozoa.

Prevention of oral thrush.

Thrush in newborns. Photo by Sammertins

For Baby:

After feeding rinse baby’s mouth with water to take away any milk residue.
Sterilize bottles and pacifiers.
Wash teethers and toys and everything that has been in contact with baby’s mouth with soap.
If baby is on antibiotics you can apply some acidophilus powder with a clean finger to the inside of baby’s mouth. This will restore the natural flora in baby’s mouth.

Prevention of breastfeeding thrush.

For mother:

Hygiene is very important. Make a habit of washing your hands before and after breastfeeding.
You can rinse your nipples with a vinegar and water solution.
Let your nipples air dry between feedings.
Use nursing pads without a plastic barrier to prevent the fungus to grow.
Wear 100% cotton nursing bras.
Wash nursing bras and breast pumps with very hot water and soap.

Eating lots of yoghurt will restore the natural flora in your body. If you don’t like yoghurt you can also take acidophilus capsules.

The thrush fungus thrives in a warm and moist environment. Knowing this and what causes thrush makes it easier to prevent thrush in your newborn baby.

The information on this page is given as a reference guide and is not a substitute for professional medical help.

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The best natural cure for thrush in newborns.
What is the best natural cure for thrush depends on how bad baby’s thrush is. Mild cases can be treated with a simple thrush home remedy. Yeast can not thrive in an acidic environment like vinegar.