Symptoms Of Thrush In Babies
A peep into your babys mouth is all you need to spot the symptoms. Notice any white patches or sores on her tongue, gums, and/or the inside of her mouth? Are the corners of her mouth cracked? Thats thrush.
Before you skip to the treatment section, keep in mind that your babys tongue could be white from milk residue. But this milky tinge should disappear within an hour of a feeding. Still, if youre not sure, try this quick and easy test: Wrap a piece of gauze around your finger and try to gently wipe away the marks. Gone? Rest easy. Still there? Is your babys tongue red and sore under the patch? Does it bleed easily? Nows the time to treat thrush.
Weve already mentioned that you can find thrush in other places, too. Your babys warm, moist diaper area is the perfect breeding ground for yeast infections. If you notice a stubborn rash with red dots, think thrush.
And heres how you can tell if you have thrush on your nipples: Are your nipples burning and sore? Is the skin itchy and flaky? Add to these symptoms the sharp shooting pains that you feel in your breasts during or after feeding and you may have thrush.
Now that you have the diagnosis, you need to treat the culprit. Heres the rundown on your options for oral thrush.
What Are The Symptoms Of Oral Thrush
White spots usually develop in your baby’s mouth and on their tongue. The spots may join together to form larger spots called plaques. They may become yellow or grey. Your baby may not be bothered by the infection. However, sometimes his or her mouth becomes sore. Some babies may drool saliva, or refuse to feed properly because of soreness.
Note: if you are breast-feeding, it is possible that your baby can pass on thrush infection from their mouth to your nipples. This can be very painful for you. Your nipples can become cracked and sore, or sometimes red and shiny. See your doctor if you think that you may have thrush infection of your nipples. Your doctor may suggest some cream to apply to your nipples to clear up the infection.
When To See The Healthcare Provider
Its important to see your pediatrician any time you suspect your baby has thrush. Talk with your healthcare provider right away if your baby is refusing to eat or becomes inconsolable. If your baby is refusing to eat, be on the lookout for signs of dehydration. Monitor how many wet diapers your child has, and call your pediatrician if you are concerned.
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What I Thought Of Proviotics
My first tin of Dayes new probiotics arrived in a rectangular parcel.
Inside was a beautifully colored cardboard box with information about Daye and a small leaflet. The leaflet briefly explained what the ProViotics are intended to help with and the importance of a healthy vaginal microbiome.
The pills were sealed in the silver tin both with both an internal seal and an external one.
When I opened up the tin I found 30 pills which were small round discs, about 1cm in diameter.
They looked natural and completely free from added coatings or casings that other pills have.
I took my first pill and found it tasted slightly like carrot. This must be because the bacterial culture is grown in organic carrot juice, but it was a nice change from other probiotics which taste quite frankly disgusting.
Although I had no problem taking the pills if I suggested any improvement it might be that the pills could be slightly smaller for swallowing.
However they can also inserted in the vagina at night and this in fact may be a more effective way to use them.
Either way these probiotics look completely natural and havent been processed to make them look more attractive.
What Are Probiotics And Prebiotics
Probiotics are living organisms, mostly bacteria, and yeasts, which can positively influence your health by increasing the number of microflora native to your body. They can be found in foods, such as fermented soy and dairy, and can also be taken in supplement form.
Prebiotics are foods that the body cannot digest that help increases the beneficial bacteria in your body and that nourish the probiotics and help them multiply. Most prebiotics is taken in supplement form, but can also occur naturally in onions, artichokes, wheat, and asparagus.
Synbiotics is the combined use of probiotics and prebiotics to assist in the growth of beneficial bacteria, particularly after an illness or disruption in health.
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Bottle Feeing And Colic
Here you’re starting with a disadvantage. It is very hard, when your child is colicky, to quickly find a solution. But for a start, do your best to implement the suggestions in the general considerations above.
Because cow’s milk is such a common problem, some manufacturers have tried to make it easier for infants by pre-digesting the milk and, in some cases, removing the lactose. But probably the best first step is to switch to a cow’s milk-free formula. In my opinion, there is no ideal formula. Soy formulas may be easier for some infants. They are definitely worth a try. If you find that making such a switch has the effect of reducing colic you could use soy for a few months and, if things are going well, try to re-introduce a pre-digested cow’s milk formula. Alternatively, when your baby is older, you could try a goat’s milk formula. somehow, goat milk is free of many of the problems associated with cow’s milk. For older children, it’s often the answer in dealing with eczema and asthma.
Don’t use the microwave to heat your baby’s bottle. For reasons not yet fully understood, microwaves seem to have an upsetting effect on baby’s digestion. We do know that microwaves have the effect of changing protein structure. This may make it harder for baby to digest food heated in a microwave.
Nipple Thrush Treatment #1 Probiotics
Thrush is like a battle of good soldiers and bad soldiers so if you have nipple thrush, the bad soldiers are winning. By taking probiotics, youre giving the good team more soldiers.
Many people are aware of yoghurt containing probiotics, but you can never be sure of the potency, due to shelf life. Often these yoghurts or other foods only contain one strain of probiotics, when there are many strains of probiotics that exist, all with different functions.
Remember, you need to treat both yourself and your baby.
There are also probiotics available for babies too.
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Is Thrush In Babies Contagious
Yes, newborn thrush can be transmitted from person to person. Someone just holding or playing with a baby who has thrush isnt going to necessarily develop the infection, but it can be easily passed back and forth between mother and baby during breastfeeding sessions. When baby latches on, candida can travel and infect Moms nipples, areolas and/or breasts similarly, Woods says, if Mom contracts thrush , she can transmit it to her nursing child.
How Do Daye Make Their Proviotics
The cultures of Lactobacillus plantarium are grown in organic carrot juice.
As Daye points out, most other brands use milk cultures, which may not be suitable for all women. This method of growing the probiotic makes it suitable for vegans.
The bacteria is then freeze-dried. This means that the product can be stored in the cupboard and will last longer than other similar products.
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Nipple Thrush Treatment #5 Keep Breastfeeding And Check Your Latch
Another big cause of nipple thrush is a bad latch.
Firstly, if you have nipple thrush, you dont need to stop breastfeeding or start supplement with formula.
Any reduction in feeds will reduce milk supply, since milk production works on a supply meets demand basis.
Your breastmilk also supplies your baby with valuable probiotics , and while some formulas do include some probiotics, they are no comparison to live breastmilk.
Many breastfeeding problems can result from an incorrect latch. Therefore, it might be worth checking to ensure your baby is latching correctly at the breast.
Struggling with the pain of breastfeeding and dont know what to do or if you can keep going? Please seek some help from an IBCLC sooner than later, as these issues can spiral quickly, leaving you feeling anxious and stressed. Alternately, try the Australian Breastfeeding Association who have a helpline. In the USA, La Leche League are your go-to.
Supports Good Mental Health
Mental health issues such as ADHD, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression are omnipresent not only in the United States, but throughout the rest of the world as well. While its unclear as to how many of these disorders materialize, theres a potential that it could have something to do with digestive health. The gut-brain axis is a connection between mental health and digestive health, and one can easily influence the other. By providing baby with an adequate amount of probiotics via breastfeeding, you can effectively work toward reducing the threat of mental health issues later on in life.
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Is Thrush Contagious From Baby To Baby
Thrush is not considered to be contagious and cannot be passed from baby to baby. The risk of them developing the infection can be increased if babies are sharing bottles, dummies or toys that they put in their mouths and the infection is already present. Make sure to regularly sterilise bottles, dummies and toys to help kill any bacteria that could lead to infections.
Evivo Is Simple And Easy To Use
I know that all of this info about infant gut health can be overwhelming. There are SO many choices to make as parents, especially in the first few years of life!
Luckily, giving your baby Evivo daily is very simple!
When you place your first order, you will receive a starter kit. This kit has everything you need to give your baby Evivo including your first month supply and instructions.
You always want to give baby Evivo with the feeding syringe mixed with fresh breastmilk. Be sure to never mix Evivo in babys bottle.
After mixing the Evivo Probiotic with breastmilk in the small bowl provided by Evivo, fill the syringe and feed it to your baby! It is that simple!
I hope that this blog post has educated you about infant probiotics and that you are ready to make your own choice about Evivo! While this post is now sponsored by Evivo, the content and opinions expressed here are my own. We had been using Evivo Probiotic for two months before my partnership with Evivo began.
Be sure to keep your babys Doctor in the loop when starting something like Evivo. Evivo has great customer service, you can call or submit a ticket and they will be happy to answer any of your questions! If you would like to further connect, please find me on and send me a DM!
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Are There Any Risks Related To Probiotics
Probiotics are typically thought to be harmless. There are, however, some hazards associated with the supplements.
If you have a medical condition that impairs your immune system, have just undergone surgery, or have other serious medical issues, these risks are enhanced.
Risks that are unlikely but potential include:
- An infection is forming
- Antibiotic resistance is the development of a resistance to antibiotics
- The probiotic supplement is producing hazardous by products
Can Babies Transmit Thrush To Breastfeeding Moms
During pregnancy, the immune system goes through changes that can sometimes make you more prone to infections. Therefore, if your baby has thrush, theres a strong chance it could be transmitted to you during breastfeeding. This causes a yeast infection of the nipples, also known as nipple thrush.
The thrush transmission from baby to breastfeeding parent is fairly common for a few reasons:
- Breastfeeding creates the perfect environment: Candida bacteria are more likely to thrive and overgrow in conditions where its warm and moist.
- Nipple trauma from breastfeeding: Irritations, cracks, and damage to the nipples can happen while nursing, making it physically easier for thrush to be transmitted.
- Antibiotic use after birth: Antibiotics may be prescribed to babies or new parents after childbirth for a variety of reasons, which ends up killing off bacteria that keeps the bodys normal amount of Candida yeast in check.
Babies and breastfeeding parents often find themselves in an ongoing cycle of transmitting thrush to each other. This is why experts recommend both parent and baby seek treatment as soon as possible when a thrush infection occurs.
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Reducing The Risk Of Thrush
Other lifestyle factors may need to be considered when managing or reducing the risk of thrush
Try to avoid:
- Perfumed soaps and shower gels including products marketed specifically for the vagina
- Alcohol and high sugar foods.
Choose:
- A good quality probiotic specifically researched for womens intimate health
- Cotton underwear rather than synthetic materials
- To wash the intimate area with water alone or with a clean, wet cloth
Breast Feeding And Colic
Your milk is creating your infant. It seems amazing that he or she is being created only by your milk. The shape and being of this wunderkind comes from both parents but his or her substance is all yours. So what you eat is crucial.
There are lots of helpful books about the techniques of breast feeding – the LaLeche League has many written materials available, and, can often offer one-to-one help for breast feeding mothers. A book, The Womanly Art of Breast feeding is another resource. The Continum Concept, a wonderful book about the observation of the child rearing practices by a ‘primitive’ South American tribe is a real eye-opener for many of us. Now to specifics.
Your food choices are crucial for your infant’s nutrition and easy digestion. Do:
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What Foods To Eliminate In Order To Beat Nipple Thrush
Here are the main culprits when it comes to any form of thrush:
- Sugar. Thrush loves sugar. You need to eliminate as much as possible. This means no soft drinks, sports drinks, ice-cream, cordials, fruit juices, chocolate, sweets etc. Do not replace sugar with artificial sweeteners theyre actually worse for you. Taking them may even result in you craving more sugar. Unfortunately, honey is on the no list too.
- Grains. Why? Because grains are essentially sugars and spike blood sugar levels. Avoid grains in all its forms, including breads, cake, biscuits, cereals and so on. Instead, opt for things like hearty salads, omelettes, soups and stir-fry meals, full of protein and vegetables. Just hold the bread.
- Processed foods. From processed meats to dairy products , itll harm much more than help. If you cant hunt it, pick it or grow it, avoid eating it!
- Caffeine. cut back or eliminate where you can. There are some great herbal teas you can have in exchange just dont go completely cold turkey at first or youll get nasty caffeine headaches.
- Alcohol. while I am sure you arent having any or very little, its not a good idea while you have thrush due to the sugars it contains. Alcohol is also a toxin and it can damage your immune system.
The Case For Prebiotic Supplements
Prebiotics occur naturally in a wide range of foods, including apples, bananas, barley, berries, oats, tomatoes, and wheat. Theyre also found in onions, garlic, dandelion greens, Jerusalem artichokes, and soybeans, although these may be a harder sell for most kids. Yogurt can also be a great source of prebiotics, but avoid the ones marketed for kids, as they are often loaded with added sugars, Avena cautions. Additionally, food companies are increasingly adding prebiotic fibers and sugars such as inulin and oligosaccharides into nutrition bars, cereals, pastas and other packaged products.
Yet despite prebiotics being readily available, Avena says the average kid doesnt consume enough of them. For children, especially toddlers, it can be very difficult to get the appropriate amount into their diets, she says. Babies under 12 months are usually OK because breastmilk naturally contains prebiotics and many formulas are fortified with them. But once they transition to food, there tends to be a precipitous drop-off. If they dont like the particular foods that contain prebiotics, or if theyre a picky eater in general, it can be a struggle to get prebiotics into their diet
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Ask An Expert: Preventing Thrush
Fan Question:
Any suggestions to prevent thrush?? I seem to get it with each baby.
Thrush can be a total bummer, especially when it is difficult to get rid of. For those that are unfamiliar with this term, thrush is a yeast infection most commonly caused by the fungus Candida albicans. The symptoms can present in both mom and baby. Typical symptoms for thrush in mom are: burning sensation in the nipple while feeding and in between feedings pink nipples, and possible vaginal yeast infection. Typical symptoms in baby are: white, raised cauliflower-like patches on the gums, cheeks, and back of the tongue diaper rash with red sores, and sometimes excessive gas. Not all babies show signs of thrush when mom has thrush.
How does one get thrush?
So how does one prevent thrush?
First and foremost, if you or your baby are given a course of antibiotics during labor throughout the time you are breastfeeding, you want to start a course of probiotics immediately. Research shows that probiotics replace the good bacteria in your gut and help to fight the overgrowth of yeast. Not all probiotics are the same. Probiotics are alive, so you will want to find refrigerated ones at a health food store or from a holistic doctor or chiropractor. Most likely those that have been sitting on the shelf for a while, or those created by formula companies, are not the best quality. Kellymom has a great article about using probiotics to prevent thrush.
