All About Thrush

Thrush is a common infection in newborns under two months of age, but it can also occur in older babies. There are several easy treatments for a pediatrician to prescribe for baby (and sometimes mother), should the infection occur. It is rarely serious, although it can be painful for baby. The important thing is to catch symptoms as early as possible, see the pediatrician, and wait it out. Luckily, relief will be in sight in several days.

Thrush is an oral yeast infection that can begin in the baby’s mouth or on the nipples of a breastfeeding mother. Use of antibiotics, either by baby or the nursing mother, can also increase the chances of developing thrush. The most common way a baby contracts it, however, is during birth. If a mother has a vaginal yeast infection during labor, a baby can come in contact with it in the birth canal and develop thrush. It is important that a mother not blame herself for this, as it is a common occurrence and it isn’t considered dangerous. Just be sure to know the warning signs. Use of antibiotics, either by baby or a nursing mother, can also increase the chances of developing thrush.

The most obvious symptom of thrush is white patches appearing in baby’s mouth. These patches appear on the roof of the mouth, in the sides, and the on the tongue. They are curdled looking patches that can be mistaken for formula, milk, or spit-up. However, they are not easy to be wiped off. Should these patches come off, they would reveal a red, raw area that may bleed a bit. Another symptom of thrush would be in the breastfeeding mother. A burning sensation on the nipples may suggest she has thrush as well as baby, since they can pass it to each other through nursing.

Treatments for thrush are fairly simple. An oral yeast ointment known as Nystatin may be prescribed for both baby’s mouth and mother’s nipples. A breastfeeding mother and her nursling should be treated at the same time to prevent swapping the condition back and forth. (There is no need to wean, should thrush occur.) Further prevention can be taken by making sure mother’s nipples dry between feedings and that any bottles or pacifiers are cleaned properly.

Thrush is one of the most common infections a baby can develop and luckily, it is a short-lived one and simple to medicate. The only real problems that occur are when a baby’s mouth is too sore to suck. This can lead to dehydration and lack of rest. A hungry, tired baby that can’t eat is not a situation any parent wants to face. However, with proper treatment, baby and his parents will find relief soon.