In a nursing relationship it is imperative that both the mother and baby be treated even if only one is symptomatic. Many times the father and siblings require lower level treatment as well. In co-sleeping arrangements, all members who sleep in close contact should be treated. A particularly frustrating aspect of yeast management stems from the fact that treatment needs to be continued for two weeks after symptoms subside.
Breast yeast frequently does not have visible symptoms, but can be quite painful. In most cases the offending agent is Candida albicans, but there are several other strains of candida. I have seen several other agents of fungus overgrowth, and although they are much less likely to cause nipple and breast pain, they are possible, and practitioners should be aware of them.
Personal hygiene: wash hands in soap and warm water. Switch to paper towels until the problem is under control. Temporary use of disposable diapers may help. A spray bottle of one-quarter cup white vinegar to one cup water should be available for all family members to spray any body areas that stay or get moist (pubic areas, armpits, under breasts, under any folds of skin). This should be done twice daily for those not symptomatic and four times per day by those with symptoms, continued for two weeks beyond the time anyone shows symptoms.
Bath towels should not be shared, and should be used once or thoroughly dried after each use. Items such as toothbrushes and make up can also harbor yeast spores. Once the anti-yeast regimen is started, each family member should get a new toothbrush, and again once all symptoms disappear. No cornstarch powders or deodorants should be used as they are a food source for yeast.
Sources of mold (ubiquitous yeast has a synergistic or compound relationship with other fungus or molds which increase during damp, rainy weather)--wet windowsills, damp laundry hampers, bathtubs, for example--need to be cleaned with either a 10 percent bleach solution or white vinegar in water. Laundry should be washed in the hottest possible water and a cup of white distilled vinegar added to the final rinse. Relying on bleach is not sufficient. Boiling clothing and bedding for five minutes will work, as will microwaving on high for five minutes. Freezing will not kill yeast spores. Cloth diapers, either from a service or one's own, should be microwaved for five minutes. Toys and other items babies mouth or chew should also be cleaned this way. They may be put in the dishwasher if the water is over 130 degrees F., and you add vinegar to the rinse.
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To read the full, extensive article on how to treat breast yeast, purchase Midwifery Today Issue No. 42. The article "Breast Yeast" also includes a comprehensive explanation of methods for mom and baby to use to eradicate mouth and breast yeast. A list of over 25 references are included. To order, call 800-743-0974, or visit the Midwifery Today website at http://www.midwiferytoday.com Please mention Code 940.
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issue 39, Sep 24, 1999)
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