Cases of persistent yeast...

I have felt for a long time that there is a connection between persistent
yeast problems and oversupply of milk. After reading of a physician who
works with  breastfeeding mothers and infants with yeast overgrowth
problems and who sees a similar connection I have begun to encourage a
mother wish persistent yeast to aggressively address her oversupply
problem, in keeping with this physician's protocol.

Now, I know that oversupply and foremilk/hindmilk imbalance is being looked
at askance these days in the lactation community but I am going to share
this anyway. If you are in the camp that denies the above, you can do as
you wish with this information. But addressing these issues has improved
outcomes in my clients remarkably.

With an oversupply of breastmilk baby gets a full stomach of foremilk with
the relatively high ratio of lactose--milk sugar--and we know what sugar is
for yeast. I call it a yeast feast. And with the accompanying low fat the
stomach empties quickly and baby soon comes back for another feeding of
high-lactose milk. So while we are encouraging mother to limit her sugars
so that she doesn't continue to feed the yeast in her system, if she has a
serious oversupply her baby will be getting a lot of sugar in her feedings.

I use the standard protocol for reducing oversupply of breastmilk.

In my records I have had very few mothers with persistent yeast problems,
such as Kathy Leeper describes, who don't also have serious oversupply. The
oversupply is perhaps caused by the baby's initially feeding frequently
with short feeds, which comes with the sore throat that accompanies oral
thrush. But as the supply increases beyond baby's needs the problem
continues to grow more serious.

For about 2 months I have been addressing the oversupply problem with my
clients who have serious yeast problems (while, of course, recommending the
usual antifungal treatments) and I am impressed with the positive outcomes.
Even some clients who had been struggling with recurrent yeast symptoms for
a couple of months were able to find resolution with the supply management.

Pat Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin


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