I took a class on breastfeeding while pregnant and it made it look so effortless… you know, one of those things that you could do while cooking dinner or vacuuming the house. Maybe you can do these things simultaneously, but boy, was I ever in for a surprise!
Though the breastfeeding class was helpful, there was also something that it failed to mention: a scary little six-letter word: Thrush. I had no idea what I was in for; what I did know was that the pain of breastfeeding became excruciating and the time of “bonding” that I anticipated for months’ became a time of dread.
I'm all for antibiotics, but in the case of Thrush, antibiotics can actually grow the yeast. Instead, these simple tips will help thrush pack its bags and go elsewhere:
1. Try to manage things with diet-- avoid all sugar if possible. It will starve the yeast and bring it to an end. This is a hard diet, but it will take care of things quickly.
2. Purchase a good probiotic supplement, in addition to having yogurt each day.
3. Keep your breasts, bra, and any nursing pads dry. If any leaking takes place, change the pad or bra promptly. It’s worth every bit of extra laundry you have to do.
4. Wash all laundry with vinegar and hot water until the thrush is gone. It's ideal if the laundry can dry in the sun, but the dryer works just as well.
Nursing is spectacular, especially when you conquer things like Thrush. We enjoyed a wonderful full year of breastfeeding!
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