Sudden, severe unexplained pain in a breastfeeding mother's nipple or breast can be an indication of a yeast infection or thrush related to nursing. Thrush is caused by a yeast fungus, usually Candidas albicans. Yeast thrives in warm, dark areas and replicates wildly in the presence of sugars, including those in human milk. Breast or nipple yeast is rarely a problem for nonlactating women. However, in a breastfeeding woman, the change from a dry to wet atmosphere can create favorable conditions for yeast overgrowth.
Because thrush is not always visible, for years health care providers did not believe this type of yeast could occur on nipples or in breast ducts. In breast feeding women, nipple damage is associated with a higher risk of developing yeast. Pain is the hallmark symptom of yeast infection in breastfeeding women.
Babies with thrush may appear perfectly normal without noticeable yeast symptoms or there may be creamy white patches on their gums, insides of cheeks, palates and tongues which do not scrape off. Their saliva and the insides of their lips may have a pearly sheen just before an outbreak of thrush. Their mouths may be sore, causing them to refuse to breastfeed or to nurse for a moment, then pull off the breast and cry. Clicking sounds may be heard during breastfeeding. Infants suffering from yeast infection are often extra fussy and gassy.
Things that can contribute to yeast infection discomfort in breastfeeding women include
- Seam of bra rests on nipple and irritates it (especially new bra)
- Lace trim on bra irritates nipple.
- Bra too tight or too small in cup size
- Allergic reactions to ointments, creams or other preparations the mother may have used to self treat her symptoms or the rubbing/washing to remove them before breastfeeding her baby.
- Nerve damage to nipple (from trauma or incision)
- Psoriasis
- Herpes
- Impetigo
Some conditions that may mimic the symptoms of a yeast infection include:
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Inflammation
- Fibromyalgia (chronic pain in muscles and soft tissue surrounding joints)
If you are a breastfeeding mom and you develop symptoms of a yeast infection, you should consult your doctor immediately. Breastfeeding moms who get prompt medical treatment for a yeast infection can spare a lot of suffering for themselves and for their infants.
Glossary:
Nonlactating: Women who are not breastfeeding