Tips for Breastfeeding with Yeast

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Tips for breastfeeding with yeast is not a replacement for medical advice.

Determining the cause of candida albicans is most important when breastfeeding with yeast. Latch difficulties, tongue tie, nipple shields, breast pads, hormonal imbalance etc can cause sore nipples and may mimic yeast-like symptoms. Working with a professional to explore the potential problems before starting a plan, is the quickest way to relief.

Diet:

1. Lower your sugar, dairy, gluten, alcohol, high mold, artificial ingredients or anything you feel increases inflammation in your body!
2. Increase garlic, vitamin 6, 12, vitamin c, D3, oral probiotics and echinacea.
3. Drink lemon water, bone broth, herbal teas and apple cider vinegar.
4. Eat mainly vegetables and low sugar fruits.
5. Eat almonds, sunflower seeds, coconut and flaxseed.
6. Eat avocado, olives, olive oil, sesame oil and coconut oil.
7. Take 1-2 probiotics 2x per day for at least 2 weeks past finishing protocol. Baby can also have probiotics rubbed in his mouth 2x per day.

Clean:

1. Sterilize bottle nipples or pacifiers for 20 minutes each day.  Hot water over 122 degrees F will kill yeast.
2. Wash toys that baby has had in mouth or hands: Use hot soapy water, bleach or vinegar.
3. Wash clothes in hot water with bleach or white vinegar.  Hang in sun when possible.
4. Add white vinegar to baths and washing machine to clean out when done.
5. Freezing milk does not kill fungus.  Use frozen yeasty milk sparingly when healed.

Treatments:

Minor issue-2-4 times per day after feedings.  No need to wipe off to feed.

1. Use breastmilk on nipples to air dry AND
2. Mix a solution of 1 TBS white vinegar in 1c water to air dry on nipples after feeding if milk has yeast. OR
3. Mix a paste of probiotics and water to rub on nipples and in babies’ mouth or diaper area.

Major issue-2-4 times per day depending on severity of issue.

1. Grapefruit seed extract on nipples and may take internally.
2. Gentian violet on nipples and/or in baby’s mouth.
3. OTC Anti-fungal cream: like athlete’s foot cream or miconazole. Rub on affected area after breastfeeding. May wipe off before nursing but wouldn’t be harmful to baby.
4. Nystatin cream needs prescription: 2-3x per day on mom and or baby. Least effective on it’s own.
5. Hydrocortisone ointment 2.5% on nipples when very sore, painful and swollen 2-3x per day when not using nystatin.
6. Triple nipple or APNO cream needs prescription- follow directions.
7. Diflucan needs prescription: follow directions.

If you start a plan and don’t notice improvement after 3-4 days, discontinue and try a different remedy.  It is imperative to have someone watch you latch the baby if you have not done so already, as well as discuss treatment.

• Always treat mom and baby at same time.
• Lower stress level when possible.
• Don’t let your guard down when feeling better.  Continue minor treatments for at least 2 weeks after feeling better. 
• If you have chronic issues, consider a daily probiotic until weaned. 
• Keep in touch with lactation consultant to give progress updates.

Tips for breastfeeding with yeast are to help manage a very stubborn problem some women experience during breastfeeding.  With these suggestions, you could help combat acute problems and be proactive for avoidance.  We may have many years of experience and training, but we don’t know your body like you, or your physician does.  Please honor that and seek the advice from a health care professional at any time.

Happy Parenting!