Breast-feed
Annisa Karnesyia | Haibunda
Monday, 01 Jan 2024 12:10 IWST
Jakarta –
Fungal infections in the breasts of nursing mothers can be an obstacle to providing breast milk to your little one. Recognizing the characteristics of a fungal infection in the breast is very important to know how to prevent it, Mother.
Reported Healthlinethis fungal infection is also called nipple thrush, namely a fungal condition that causes the breast skin to itch and peel. Fungal infections can be passed to a breastfeeding baby or he will develop oral thrush (mouth ulcers).
According to obstetrics and gynecology specialist, Meredith Shur, MD, nipple thrush is a fungal infection that grows and spreads in warm and moist environments. This infection can be caused by fungal growth Candida albicans.
“If the mother has just been diagnosed thrush, then he may be nervous about breastfeeding. “That’s all normal because the mother is afraid of spreading this infection to her baby,” said Shur, as reported Very Well Family.
Fungal infections of the breast can be very painful and can spread quickly if not treated, Mother. Babies who contract this infection may refuse to breastfeed.
“Fungal infections of the nipple are painful and can be a barrier to successful breastfeeding. If fungus is also found in the baby’s mouth, then he may refuse to breastfeed,” said Shur.
Launching from Cleveland Clinicthe causative fungus nipple thrush actually doesn’t grow on the nipples. Research shows that nipples are not a place where fungus usually grows. Instead, fungus may grow in the skin folds of the breast, including under the breast or near the armpit.
Risk factors for yeast infections in the breast
Some breastfeeding mothers can be more susceptible to yeast infections in the breast. Here are some risk factors for this fungal infection:
- Mother who suffers from diabetes
- Having obesity
- Fat immune system
- Mothers who sweat more during pregnancy.
- Wearing a bra that is not suitable for breastfeeding
- Live in a hot and humid environment.
Illustration of a Breastfeeding Mother/ Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto/geargodz
Characteristics of fungal infections in the breast
Mothers can experience several symptoms during this fungal infection. Symptoms can be felt for several days, even weeks. The following are the characteristics or symptoms of a fungal infection of the breast:
1. Breast and nipple pain
Fungal infections can cause severe nipple pain. Mothers will feel the nipple area burning, itching, tingling, or sharp, stabbing pain. Some mothers report experiencing pain inside the breast when they have a fungal infection.
2. Inflammation and irritation
Fungal infections can also be characterized by inflammation or swelling in the nipple and areola area. Swollen nipples also appear cracked. However, there are also mothers who do not experience this condition when they have a fungal infection in their breasts.
3. Changes in the skin
Another characteristic of a fungal infection in the breast is changes in the skin in the nipple area. These changes can include nipples that look shiny or scaly. Mothers may also notice small blisters or white spots around the nipples.
4. Nipples become more sensitive
When you have a fungal infection, your nipples can become more sensitive to touch. You may feel pain when you wear a bra or clothing that comes into contact with your nipples.
5. Baby refuses to breastfeed
You may not feel the typical symptoms of a fungal infection. However, this infection can be transmitted to the baby, causing him to refuse to breastfeed. Babies who have fungal infections in the mouth (oral trush) can become fussy because they experience symptoms of chapped lips that bleed, and the appearance of prominent white lesions on their tongue or the inside of their cheeks.
How to treat fungal infections of the breast
Fungal infections in the breasts of nursing mothers can be treated in several ways. Quoting several sources, here are 3 ways to overcome this:
1. Keeping clean
Make sure to always maintain cleanliness before, during and after breastfeeding, Mother. The area of cleanliness that is maintained is not just nipples, but all activities that involve hands, especially when mothers care for your little one.
“Always wash your hands before breastfeeding, after going to the toilet, and after changing your baby’s diaper. Good hand hygiene can prevent the spread of many diseases, including nipple thrush,” said Shur.
Apart from that, mothers also need to keep their children’s eating and breastfeeding utensils clean. Make sure feeding containers and milk bottles, including pumping equipment, are washed properly.
2. Maintain your diet
Maintaining a diet is also important to relieve symptoms of fungal infections in the breast. Mothers should start limiting their intake of sugar and high-calorie foods while breastfeeding their children.
Some people add probiotics to their diet to restore the balance of bacteria in the body. Foods containing probiotics are believed to prevent fungal infections.
3. Avoid using medication without a doctor’s prescription
Mothers who experience fungal infections may be prescribed topical medication by a doctor. Using topical medication or cream is safe as long as you follow the doctor’s instructions.
Pregnancy cream Nystatin doctors generally prescribe it to treat this problem. Cream Nystatin is an anti-fungal drug that is applied directly to the infected area or the breasts and nipples. Nystatin in oral or liquid form can also be given to treat fungal infections in the baby’s mouth.
“Anti-fungal drugs will be used to treat fungal infections in the mother or baby. The drugs given to the mother are different from those used by the child,” said Shur.
This is an explanation of fungal infections in the breasts of breastfeeding mothers. Hopefully this information is useful.
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2024-01-01 05:10:24
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