No prescriptions for breast yeast?

[Serenyd]

My ob-gyn won't prescribe anything for the yeast in my breasts. I asked for all-purpose nipple cream - no, go ask the ped. The ped referred me back to the ob-gyn, but I was told I cannot take anything while breastfeeding. At this point I was kind of hoping for a script for Diflucan to just knock it out.
I've tried over the counter anti-fungal cream, nystatin cream, and gentian violet on my nipples. I've been treating the baby's thrush with gentian violet. The ped just called in some nystatin liquid to use on her, but I've heard it doesn't work that well. The miconazole cream definately works better on her yeast diaper rash than the nystatin cream they prescribed for it (that I also tried on my nipples). Any ideas what I should do?

[PatioGardener]

Jack Newman has an awesome thrush protocol - including gentian violet for your nipples, or grapefruit seed extract (and working up to diflucan).

http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?view=ar...tent&Itemid=17

Remember to soak all bras etc in vinegar before washing, and same with anything baby may suck on from time to time!

Hope you find some relief (and a breastfeeding supportive doctor!) soon!

[boobs4milk]

hugs danielle! i was just going to suggest the candida protocol from dr. newman. follow it closely and good luck!

[robinia]

Are you able to get Diflucan tablets over the counter? I had a lot of trouble getting anyone to give me anything effective for nipple thrush - ended up storming out of a pharmacy in tears! I ended up ringing our breastfeeding association (like LLL) and they put me onto a public hospital service that provides info on what is safe in pregnancy and lactation. The service said to take 3 doses of Diflucan Once over 5 days (ie one dose on day 1, one on day 3, one on day 5) and to use oral Nilstatin for DD's mouth but a combined antifungal/cortisone cream (Hydrozole) for the nipples. This worked brilliantly after I had had weeks of discomfort/pain trying gentler treatments. My GP then confirmed it was safe - just wipe off any residue of the cream before feeding. You could try a single antifungal if you were not comfortable with a cortisone cream, but I used the Hydrozole as I was desperate and ready to wean to stop the pain. I ended up not needing to use the oral Nilstatin as DD didn't have oral thrush, oddly enough. You can get all of these over the counter here. The service also said not to use commercial oral thrush treatments on the nipple as they are sugary which promotes more thrush. Obviously this is a much less natural way to go, but it was very effective - and we're still nursing.

[ASusan]

I had (have) what I think is yeast on my nipples. Feels like intense needles when DS is nursing, not much pain otherwise.

I did tea tree oil on one nipple and a 'script anti-yeast cream on the other. TTO won in 2.5 days. Other nipple is still bothering me, so I switched to TTO on it yesterday. I put about 5 drops of TTO into a little cup with 1 T water. Then I paint it on with a cotton swab. I do this about 2-3 times a day, but you could up it. I don't bother to wash it off. DS is 26 mos.

[robinia]

Tea tree oil sounds like a great idea. Did you find it very drying though? I'd like to know in case it strikes again!

[Serenyd]

Thanks everyone! I did try TTO and GSE on my nipples, but didn't stick with it. GSE made dd gag when I tried to use it on her, and having to apply it hourly was somewhat discouraging. I think diflucan is prescription only. I'm afraid that it has spread deep into my milk ducts and a topical will not help it. I have also been taking probiotics and am going to start dd on them too. That hydrazole cream sounds good ... I wonder if I can get it over the counter?

[ASusan]

If you think it is deep in the ducts, I would beg, beg, beg for diflucan. Just sit in the office until you get a script. It's crazy that they are sending you between OB and ped.

Can you also put probiotic powder on your nips?

I did not find TTO drying. (I have in the past when I used it for a vaginal yeast infection.)