We are still enjoying some nice, quiet Spring Break family time, but I wanted to pop in and post this while it's fresh on my mind.
When D was a baby, we went through a go-round with thrush that left me irritated with the disappointing lack of results from nystatin. I sought out a natural treatment and found gentian violet to be recommended, but not without concerns (namely, the possible link to oral cancer as well as the fact that it is messy). Further digging led me to grapefruit seed extract. Some mamas on a cloth diapering board I used to frequent had put together some great information on how to use grapefruit seed extract to treat thrush. (Unfortunately, that forum has undergone an overhaul and the archives are no longer accessible, so I am afraid I cannot properly credit these women.)
Here are the basics on GSE use for thrush:
* Make a solution of ten drops GSE per one ounce of distilled water
* Paint baby's mouth with a cotton swab every two hours and before each feeding
* Paint nipples after feeding and let air dry
* If needed, paint diaper area as well; air dry
* If you don't see results after two days, increase GSE to fifteen to twenty drops per one ounce
Other tips for battling thrush:
* It is possible for the nursing couple to pass thrush back and forth without baby being symptomatic and vice-versa. It's important to treat both mother and baby.
* Don't use lansinoh to treat nipple pain. It will trap moisture and help the yeast to thrive.
* There is conflicting advice on how to treat items that come in contact with the yeast (diapers, bras, breast shields, pacifiers, etc.). Some sources say to boil these items, other sources say boiling water causes the yeast to form a chiton (hard shell) to protect itself and to kill the yeast this way, you must boil for a very long time. I've heard reports that a scoop of baking soda in the laundry will change the pH of the wash and effectively kill the yeast. I've personally found soaking pacifiers in a GSE solution works well, too. I also don't use cloth diapers when we are battling a yeast infection.
* A great way to treat sore, cracked nipples is to mix up a cream of equal parts clotrimizole (like Monistat or Lotrimin), hydrocortizone, and neosporin. Apply to nipples after every feeding; if any residue is left before you begin the next feeding, gently wipe it away. This cream will help with both the itching and pain for the nursing mother. I have also used this cream sparingly to treat yeast diaper rash.
The reason this is fresh on my mind is I'm afraid the round of antibiotics AJ was on to treat her ear infection have led to a round of thrush for us. Not fun, but manageable.
I'll be around more after this week is over!
