When baby starts feeding, either breastfeeding or bottlefeeding, thrush can happens. For mom who breastfeed their baby, thrush can happens both to mom and baby.
Thrush is a yeast infection, which can occur on the nipples and also on baby’s mouth. Nipples which have thrush may appear to be pink or red and itchy. When this happens, you should see your doctor and also bring your baby to get examined too. Both may need to be treated with antifungal medication.
How to prevent thrush?
- Give baby sterile water to drink after each feeding (either breastfeeding or bottlefeeding) to rinse any milk residue away. This applies as well in case your baby is taking oral antibiotics. Rinse baby’s mouth with sterile water after each dose of antibiotics.
- Clean and sterilize bottles and pacifier thoroughly. You may hand-wash them or use the dishwasher and allow them to dry. It is preferable if you can boil them for 20 minutes.
- Do not reuse a bottle unless it has been less than an hour since baby last drank from it.
- Clean the nipples if you breastfeed your baby, and let it dry properly after finished breastfeeding.
If you have thrush on your nipples, you can use a cold compress to relieve the pain and discomfort from sore nipples and engorged breasts.
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