Three Natural Ways to Combat Thrush in the Nursing Mother and Child

Thrush is a yeast infection which prevents itself orally, vaginally and in the breast tissue of a nursing mother. It can present itself as white patches in your child's mouth, diaper rash and vaginal yeast infection. It can range from mild to severe. When thrush is deep seated in the body you will feel pain deep within the breast tissue. Three easy and natural ways to treat thrush is by using grapefruit seed extract, gentian violet and acidophilus supplements. This article will explain more in depth the nature of each treatment and how these remedies can help breastfeeding mothers rid themselves and their baby from annoying yeast infections.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract is very effective when used topically in treating thrush. Grapefruit seed extract is made from the seeds of grapefruits. It is a natural anti bacteria fighter and will also treat fungal and viral infections. You will want to use about 20 drops per ounce. This mixture can be used to clean the breast area before each feeding and also to swab out baby's mouth 2x per day using gauze tightly wrapped around your fingertips. Additionally you can add some to your laundry to further kill yeast in cloth diapers and underwear which can harvest yeast if not washed properly. (Be sure to use hot water and high heat on your clothing when you are dealing with thrush.)

Gentian Violet

Gentian violet is an extract that is useful in treating thrush. Used in combination with grapefruit seed extract it will help clear your thrush up fast and hep you get back on track with your breastfeeding relationship. Gentian violet can be found in most pharmacies. You will want to have some towels and q-tips handy for the application. (Gentian violet is bright purple and stains so be forewarned! Don't so this before a photo shoot or other big event!) You can expect your baby to have purple lips for a few days but it will be so worth it!

After you clean the breast with the grapefruit seed extract prior to nursing you will want to pain each nipple (one at a time) then feed your baby. Your baby will end up with bright purple lips but this treatment is worth it! Continue this one time per day for 3 days and you should see improvements. Many moms report feeling improvements within just a few hours. You can purchase gentian violet at mpst pharmacies. if you don't see it just ask because sometimes they tend to hide it behind the counter!

Acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a live bacteria culture found in yogurt. It can also be purchased in capsules and powder through your health food store. Thrush attacks not only the mouth, vagina and skin but also your intestines. If the breastfeeding mother ingests acidophilus it can help flush the bad bacteria out of the system and strike a balance where yeast won't thrive. Eating yogurt one to two times a day will help immensely. For an added boost you could take acidophilus capsules or mix in a spoonful of the powder into unsweetened yogurt. Yogurt can also be applied to raw, red genital areas (great for both mom and baby) for soothing relief.

Using these 3 treatments will help you get rid of thrush.

Some other things to remember is to eat yogurt daily (it contains acidophilus as well). Be sure to drink a lot of water and reduce your sugar intake as much as possible. This is really important because yeast thrives on sugar. Try to eat a diet rich in whole grains and fresh vegetables and whole quality protein sources.

Thrush can make the breastfeeding relationship become torturous. The sooner you treat it the less chance it will have of becoming rampant and widespread.

If you are unable to rid yourself of yeast using natural remedies you may have to try a prescription medicine to wipe it out. There is no shame in either treatment but sometimes it pays to try the natural route first!

Be sure to consult your Dr. or midwife before starting an alternative treatment.