Thrush getting worse after starting treatment?

[eleven]

We were diagnosed with thrush on Friday (I thought it was just a bad latch). That night, I started probiotics and vinegar rinses after nursing. I also cut out sugar, white flour, fruit, etc.. Yesterday afternoon we started gentian violet and grapefruit seed extract (capsules, by mouth). I first noticed dd being bothered by her mouth on Friday night, but it seems to have gotten a lot worse over the past couple of days. Her latch is TERRIBLE because of her obvious discomfort and I am crying through most feedings. Even when I try to relatch her, she just lets go and does what is more comfortable for her.

I just don't know what to do. I plan to continue the g.v. for another couple of days, but I don't know how much more I can take. I don't know whether I should try to work on her latch (which seems futile anyway) or just wait until the thrush is gone to get back to that.

She's miserable, I'm miserable, and I'm having a hard time seeing an end to the pain. :

I'm sure there's a question or two somewhere in with my whining. I'd love any thoughts at all.

[jessekc]

Ours got worse after we started treatment as well, then it got much better in two days. Good luck

[EastonsMom]

BTDT for five agonizing monthes: I think it is the thrushes final attempted at trying to 'win'. You will feel soo proud and strong after you get through this. s:

[Beth-TX]

Thrush can often get worse before it gets better. I'm so sorry you're going through this, but it's so important to continue treatment until it's gone. It's possible the the gentian violet is irritating your baby's mouth--maybe topical grapefruit seed extract would be a better option? You can find the gse protocol here: www.drjaygordon.com

As for you, miconozole might be helpful. You can buy a tube over the counter (get the 7 day yeast infection treatment, like Monistat 7) and just apply the creme after nursing. The drug is quickly absorbed into the skin and should be unavailable to your baby by the time she needs to nurse again. I've found that it's very soothing when I've had thrush (and I've had it many, many times). Also, the thrush can make the skin on your nipples dry and peely. Lanolin or olive oil can help them to feel better. Just apply it after the gentian violet, gse or whatever you're using to treat them.

Good luck. I know you're just miserable now, but it will eventually go away if you're diligent.

peace, Beth

[eleven]

Thank you so much for the reassurances.

I spoke with my breastfeeding counselor after posting last night and she said the same thing - that it's the yeast fighting for survival. I was concerned about sores in the baby's mouth, but there aren't any that I can see. She also seems to be doing a lot better today and isn't attacking her mouth like crazy.

Five months, EastonsMom?!? You are a STRONG mama!!

Thanks for the other suggestions, Beth. I had read about the GSE protocol and that is my back up plan.

[Fiercemama]

Yes, thrush symptoms often get worse before they get better. Advil or Tylenol are both safe while nursing, if they help you get through the worst of it. I don't think I would have continued bfing without Advil through thrush!

[whoamama]

I had thrush while tandeming #2 and #3. We tried many things before solving the problem. What worked for us was a topical anti-fungal cream for my nipples, an oral antifungal for me and both boys, all at the same time. gentian violet did not work for us, but was very funny: both boys had very purple faces for awhile. Thrush is not funny!

[mazdimo]

I feel your pain! We are just getting over a case of thrush after two weeks of treatment. Ibuprofin made it bearable for me and acidopholus really helped my son. (I hate taking medicine, but finally gave in.) I opened a capsule, dipped my finger in the powder, and let him suck on it before feeding. Also get plenty of rest, stress plays a major role in your ability to fight the yeast. Good, good luck to you!