What to Know About Thrush for Breastfeeding Moms

Boob Scoop: While it might not be as much fun to talk about as all the cute things your baby is doing, Thrush, which is a fungal infection affecting your breasts and your baby's mouth is more common than you think and an important condition for new moms to know about. Thrush can cause painful tenderness on the nipples and can be passed back and forth from you to your baby if not treated in time. Two great natural therapies for thrush, which have been used successfully by mothers over the years, are oil of oregano and garlic. For topical use, place two drops of oil of oregano in a teaspoon of olive oil and rub on your nipples and your baby's diaper or mouth, where thrush is normally present. To use garlic, chop up 4-5 cloves a day, air out for 20 minutes, and swallow as pills or sprinkle over a favorite salad. (Airing out garlic helps to bring out its antimicrobial powers). Sharen Medrano, Yummy Mummy Support Group IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)/