I have had a yeast infection in my breasts for 3 months now and I can not seem to get rid of it. I have tried everything. I have taken Diflucan, Nystatin cream and gentian violet and nothing will get rid of it. I was never able to get my twins to breastfeed due to their prematurity and once they started on bottles in the hospital they were unable to make the transition to the breast. I pumped my breast milk for them for 9 weeks. I have been to the doctor several times regarding this infection and they do not seem knowledgeable about this. Please help! How do I get rid of this infection?




 

Heather!

Yeast is one of our most frustrating infections - and one that causes no end of stress for mom, babies, and Lactation consultants.

There are many reasons, we think, for this overpopulation of yeast - but it seems our overuse of antibacterial soap and antibiotics have caused havoc in our normal skin flora. So, it is important to be very persistent to try to control it.

It sounds like you have run the gamut of treatments, the biggest concern I have is how long each has lasted, as we usually find it is necessary to treat for two weeks past the end of all symptoms to try to control it for good.

Have you any pets? Sometimes pets harbor yeast under their nails (so do humans) or in their ears. Has your husband also gotten treatment? Sometimes the whole family needs to go through a yeast eradication campaign.

Have you changed your diet? Reducing or eliminating all sweets and other foods (see the Yeast Connection Handbook by Dr. Wiulliam G. Crook for all the details). What about laundry? Has it been washed in very hot water or in a vinegar rinse? Avoid antibacterial soaps and antibiotics, and try to add lactobacillus acidophilus. Are you having ductal yeast symptoms or is it mostly in the skin?

Dr. Hale, the author of "Medications and Mother's Milk," is trying to locate moms like you who are not responding to the usual treatments. I think he is wanting to culture the milk to see if there is a specific type of monilia that is unresponsive to the usual treatment.

I'm sorry I have more questions than answers. Please contact me so I can try to help!

Jeanette Panchula, BA, RN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA





 

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