Thrush

Thrush also known as “white mouth” is a yeast infection (fungus) that can affect baby, mother and her partner.

You get thrush when yeast, called Candida, normally found on the body, grows out of control. Thrush grows well in warm, moist, dark places, such as in your baby’s mouth or diaper area, in your milk ducts, on your nipples or in your vagina. The infection can pass back and forth between your baby, you and your partner.

Both you and your baby will need to be treated.  Once you start the prescribed treatment, you may see improvement in a day or two but you should both continue the prescribed medication for at least two weeks. Keep your medication and your baby’s medication separate.

Talk with your public health nurse, lactation consultant or doctor for more information about the appropriate management of thrush.