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Yeast infections in nursing mothers
During breastfeeding, cracked nipples can cause severe pain every time you breastfeed. These are signs that you may have a yeast infection.
Yeast infections (Candida) are caused by overgrowth of yeast in warm, damp, and dark areas of the body such as the nipples in a nursing woman. Yeast infections are quite common during pregnancy because the high level of estrogen increases the amount of sugar, and the yeast eats sugar. About 75% of women get a fungal infection while breastfeeding. Early detection and treatment can help you get rid of the annoyances of a yeast infection.
Causes of fungal infections in lactating women
Yeast infections can happen for a variety of reasons. Here are some prominent causes of yeast infections in nursing women:
Using antibiotics is more likely to cause fungal infections because the antibiotics will stimulate the growth of yeast;
Estrogen levels were elevated during pregnancy;
Using oral contraceptive pills or steroids;
Diabetes;
Anemia;
The nipple's damp environment is conducive to yeast growth.
Symptoms of a fungal infection
Some of the most common symptoms of a breastfeeding yeast infection are:
Nipple pain
A severe aching sensation in the nipple
Cracked nipples
Throbbing pain spreading from nipple to chest, arm even pain in the back
Small cracks or sores in the nipples
Itchy breasts
The nipples are scaly, wet and flaky
Reducing the amount of milk secreted during breastfeeding
How to treat a yeast infection
It is important to definitely treat maternal yeast infections as it can negatively affect the health of the baby. Here are some tips for treating a yeast infection and preventing the development of the disease in a nursing woman.
1. Drink green tea
Drink green tea 3-4 cups / day to help purify the body. Green tea helps to remove yeast from the body effectively.
2. Use yogurt and yogurt to drink
Yogurt and yogurt drink containing beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus can help aid in the treatment of yeast infections. However, some ready-made yogurt products may not give you the signature "home-made" flavor. Therefore, learning how to make yogurt and making homemade yogurt is one of the popular choices for women today.
3. Clean the nipples and apply anti-fungal cream
After each feed, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of water and wash your nipples. Allow your nipples to dry completely, as the wet areas are a favorable environment for yeast growth.
You can also consult your doctor about suitable antifungal creams such as Gyne-Lotrimin, Monistat, Lotramin AF, Nizoral. If you have chronic pain, use the cream after each breastfeed or 6-8 times a day. Your skin will quickly absorb the cream. However, in case the cream is not completely absorbed but is still on the skin, you should use a clean cloth before breastfeeding.
4. Avoid using absorbent pads
Absorbent pads will keep your nipples moist, facilitating the growth of yeast. So, you should breastfeed or pump out less milk so you don't use a pad. As a result, the nipples will dry out and not create conditions for yeast to grow.
5. Avoid foods high in sugar
Eating foods high in sugar will stimulate the growth of yeast. Therefore, do not eat foods rich in sugar such as confectionery, beer, soda, wine, bread ...
Yeast is easy to grow, making you uncomfortable, but it's not too difficult to treat the disease. It is important to keep your nipples dry so that the yeast is not harmful to the health of you and your baby.
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