Thrush

[SydneyDoula]

I've got my first birth coming up and the Mama contacted me today and said she is starting to get a NASTY case of thrush- something she has stuggled with constantly.
I've referred her to a Naturopath friend BUT out of interest if a Mama has a full blown case of thrush during labour what is done? Anything?

[MomaHathor]

Greetings SydneyDoula,

Is your client or the baby being treated recently with antibiotics, yeast infection or is she diabetic?... according to La Leche League International mothers who might be on antibiotics or diabetic are more susceptible to Trush. A mother who has had a cesarean birth may have received antibiotics in her IV to prevent infection without being aware of it. Be sure she treats both the baby's mouth and her nipples. Wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, as this will help keep trush from spreading.

A few predisposing factors to Trush in the mother include:

• a history of vaginal yeast infections
• diabetes
• impaired resistance to infection (Lawrence to Lawrence, p 610)
• heavy consumption of dairy products, heavily sweetened foods, and artificial sweeteners (Horowitz 1987)
• use of nursing pads, which creates a worm, moist environment (Amir and Hoover 2002)

There are so many treatment options for baby and mother may I suggest the mother contact her and her baby's health care provider, as both mother and baby need to be treated simultaneously, even if baby has no visible symptoms.

Be Well and
Therese

All info provide to you by the La Leche League International "The Breastfeeding Answer Book" and "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding"

[1stimestar]

If she has consistantly struggled with it then she "probably" already knows to cut out the sugars and basically anything white like bread. Eat yogurt (non sweetend) or she can go directly to acidophilous tablets. Have her ask her doctor about Diflucan and Nystatan. She can go with the purple stuff but that is hard to do with a brand new baby. As far as the birth, it shouldn't affect her other then being uncomfortable but she needs to avoid a c-section or risk getting antibiotics.

[SydneyDoula]

Thanks guys... she does have diabetes... and as Georganne mentioned she knows to cut out sugars and nasty proccessed food. HOWEVER I have a feeling she isn't putting it into practice as often as she should.
Who wouldn't if you keep getting persistant thrush infections??

That's right on about avoiding a c-section due to antibiotics after, didn't even think about that one.

Well hopefully this last bout will clear up asap with some help from the naturopath and she will (at least) stay clear til after the birth.

Thanks again guys!

[Jadethedoula]

Gentian Violet is not herbal, but it is an old and trusted remedy that works to relieve symptoms almost immediately for a lot of people. Its available over-the-counter, but can be hard to find. I've gotten it at a compounding pharmacy, but I've heard some Rite Aids have it, so I'd call around.
Good luck!

[MamaBean]

I've heard grapefruit seed extract works just as effectively as gentian violet, and it's clear. From kellymom.com:

Quote:

Grapefruit seed extract (not grape seed extract, ACTIVE INGREDIENT MUST BE “CITRICIDAL”), 250 mg (usually 2 tablets) three or four times a day orally (taken by the mother), seems to work well in many cases. If preferred the liquid extract can be taken orally, 5 drops in water three times per day (though this is not as effective). Oral GSE can be used before trying fluconazole, instead of fluconazole or in addition to fluconazole in resistant cases. See below for information on grapefruit seed extract used directly on the nipples.

Quote:

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) Grapefruit seed extract (ACTIVE INGREDIENT MUST BE “CITRICIDAL”) should be used in conjunction with the APNO (All Purpose Nipple Ointment). Apply the diluted liquid grapefruit seed extract on the nipples, and then follow with the ointment (always after the feeding). Apply solution directly on the nipples. It does not need to be refrigerated. It may be covered and used until solution is finished. * Mix very well five to 10 drops in 30 ml (1 ounce) of water (preferably, but not necessarily, distilled). * Use cotton swab or Q-tip to apply on both nipples and areolas after the feeding. * Let dry a few seconds, then apply “all purpose nipple ointment”. * If using Gentian Violet, do not use GSE on that particular feed but use after all other feeds. * Should be used in conjunction with oral GSE, either tablets, capsules, or liquid extract (see above). * Use until pain is gone and then wean down slowly over the period of at least a week. * If pain is not significantly improving after two to three days, increase the dose by 5 drops per 30 ml (ounce) of water. Can continue increasing until 25 drops per 30 ml of water. * If flaking, drying, or whiteness appears on the skin, substitute vitamin E oil or pure olive oil for APNO 1-3x/day. * Laundry can be treated as well: add 15-20 drops in the rinse cycle of all wash loads.

http://www.kellymom.com/newman/c-candida_protocol.html

[DouLaura]

Yes to gentian violet and grapefruit seed extract. She also needs to make sure she is washing her bras in as warm of water as she can with vinegar added to the water and let them dry in the sun. Same with sheets and anything else that could be harboring little yeasties.
In fact, the sun can also help the yeast on her breasts tremendously too, if she has a location where she can sunbathe topless.

[b'earth angel]

Apple Cider Vinegar, diluted, swabbed around in the mouth several Xs daily is suggested in my herbal home health care book.
I assume you are talking about oral thrush (international differences??) I would think that adding a natural, multi-culture plain or lightly fruit juice sweetened yogurt to the diet would help. [Cascade Fresh is a good one] Although yougurt will not clear thrush up on it's own it will help keep it in check.
I see this as a symptom of a deeper problem, of course the diabetes, but maybe there is a deficiancy in the beneficial bacteria in her gut. A good probiotic, longterm usage, would benenfit greatly [of course check w/Dr.]. Something like PB8s or HSOs that Jordan Rubin promotes, and not just acidophilous. And definately a dietary change such as has already been covered.

[Neshama]

A garlic clove up the vagina does wonders, as well!

[DL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neshama A garlic clove up the vagina does wonders, as well!

woooweeee! It probably would work, but I don't think I could try that!

[MamaBean]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doula Lori woooweeee! It probably would work, but I don't think I could try that!

It's not as bad as it sounds, I did it to yeild a negative GBS test during my pregnancy

[1stimestar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neshama A garlic clove up the vagina does wonders, as well!

If you do this you can "sew" a string through it for easier removal. Lots of people do it.

[SydneyDoula]

Quote:

I assume you are talking about oral thrush (international differences??)

Nope the poor Mama has vaginal thrush...

Quote:

If you do this you can "sew" a string through it for easier removal.

Good idea! I know of one woman who stuggled for quite sometime to get a clove out!!

[Neshama]

lol! yeah, lost garlic is no fun!
Lori, it really isnt as bad as it sounds. Sure, you stink, but it is kind of fun being the only one who knows WHY you smell like garlic... no, I didn't eat it! heehee...

The string idea is really helpful for lost garlic clove. And as someone else mentioned, it does wonders for GBS, too!

[RosyDoula]

I've only had a vaginal infection once, and the garlic cleared it. It just sucks how you get the taste of it in your mouth. Ick. I didn't sew a string through it, but I tied a piece of yarn around it. It works!