Thrush

Written By: Carrie B.

Thrush is not very common in many babies, but all four of my children had it when they were between the ages 2 weeks and 2 months.

Thrush is a form of yeast, that is found inside the mouth. It is white patches found on the roof of the mouth, in the cheeks, and/or on the inside of the lips. Doctors say that it is painful. If you are breastfeeding it can be transferred to the mother, and I know, from experience, that it is very painful.



Treating bottle-fed babies, it goes away faster. Treating breastfed babies takes longer. It lasted with me, when I breastfed my son, for 3 months. I remember I had to blow dry my nipples after every feeding and then put a cream on. It got very messy and frustrating. But I was bound and determined to breastfeed for the whole year, that I just fought through it. I even stopped breastfeeding one of my children because of thrush, I think that is where the determination to nurse for the whole year came from. I had to prove I could do it.

Thrush spreads quickly, so make sure, if you suspect your infant has it, to get treatment immediately.