Thrush

If you are breastfeeding and experiencing pain in your nipples and breasts, this may be caused by a thrush (candida) infection in the breast.

It can make breastfeeding very painful, but it's easily treated.

Causes of thrush

Thrush is a fungal infection in the breasts. It's easily spread and if you are breastfeeding, you and your baby can pass it back and forth to each other.

The fungus (Candida albicans) is a normal part of our bodies. We all carry it, but usually good bacteria keeps it under control.

Thrush likes warm, dark and moist environments, and it might grow on your nipple.

Check your breastfeeding position

It's worth remembering that a thrush infection may not be the cause of nipple pain. It could be that your baby is not latching on properly.

Check our advice on latching on or ask your health visitor or breastfeeding specialist for guidance.

How to stop thrush spreading

Thrush spreads easily and can spread to other members of the family, so you'll need to be extra careful with hygiene.

Here are some things you and everyone else in your household should do to stop thrush spreading:

wash hands thoroughly, especially after nappy changes
use separate towels
wash and sterilise dummies, teats and any toys your baby may put in their mouth
change your breast pads often
wash all towels, baby clothes and bras (anything that comes into contact with the infected area) at a high temperature to kill off the fungus

Signs of thrush

If you are breastfeeding and have the following symptoms, it may be caused by a thrush infection. Make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.

a burning pain in your nipples, especially after every feed
itchy nipples that mat be sensitive to touch
flaking and/or shiny skin on the nipple or areola - nipple skin and areola may be red on lighter skin and darker brown, purple or grey on darker skin. This can be more difficult to see on darker skin tones
white patches/tiny blisters on the nipple or areola
a loss of colour in the nipple or areola

Symptoms of oral thrush in breastfed babies

If you think your baby has a thrush infection, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.

Symptoms of thrush in babies include:

creamy white spots or patches on the tongue, gums, roof of the mouth or insides of the cheeks – if you gently wipe these patches with a clean cloth, they won't come off
your baby being unsettled when feeding
a white film on the lips
in some babies, nappy rash that won't clear up

Treatment for thrush

It's important to get treatment for thrush, otherwise it may come back. Your GP may want to take swabs from your nipple and your baby's mouth.

If it is a thrush infection, you may be prescribed an antifungal cream or tablets. The cream needs to be applied to your nipples after every feed.

If your baby has thrush, your GP will prescribe an antifungal gel or liquid cream to apply to the infected area.

Can I breastfeed if I have thrush?

Yes, carry on breastfeeding if you can. If you cannot because it's too painful, try expressing your milk instead.

Previously, parents were advised to avoid expressing and storing milk during a thrush infection to avoid possible re-infection, as freezing does not kill yeast. However, there is currently no evidence to suggest that this will happen.

If you are worried about using expressed/stored milk during a yeast infection, you can either use it while you and your baby are being treated for thrush, or you can warm the milk to 63C for 30 minutes to kill bacteria and yeast, before cooling and offering.

Read more about thrush and breastfeeding.

Help and support

For confidential breastfeeding information and support, call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.

Lines are open 9:30am to 9:30pm every day.