Pat B and Jonathan, There are some great posts in the archives on treating
yeast overgrowth. I'll bet that subject would win the prize for most
numerous posts if we search yeast, thrush, candida, and the various
anti-fungals.

I would difinitely recommend adidophilus and bifidus (for baby), as well as
looking at diet and environmental factors.  It is my experience that
antifungals alone are not effective except in the short term.  I find that
Nystatin is effective in only the mildest of cases that are treated early,
and those are not the ones that we see, are they?

I recommend the book, A Woman's Guide To Yeast Infections, by Naomi
Baumslag, MD. amd Dia L. Michels. Also Candidiasis and Breastfeeding of the
Lactation Consultant series by Lisa Amir, Kay Hoover, and Chris Mulford.
All of these women are familiar to us here on Lactnet and they take yeast
infections with the seriousness that they deserve.

As these publications make clear, yeast infections must be treated in a
multifaceted manner. We can't just "kill the yeast", (much as we'd like to.)
We are after a return to proper balance throughout the body.  There must be
a plan and the plan followed beyond the end of sore nipples or breasts.

I have worked with many moms and babies in the past few years and those who
will stick with the long-range plan experience a return to a normal harmony
of yeast and bacteria. Several have found an added bonus of improved general
health, feeling better than they remember in their entire lives.

Jonathan says,
"I've thought of asking the dermatologist for diflucan (200mg
initial load, 100mg daily for 2 - 3 weeks for her, and mass-appropriate
dosage for baby), but the failure of the cream to give any relief makes
that questionable."

Yes, Jonathan go for the above recommendation. The failure of the Nystatin
cream is because it is usually not very effective. And as someone posted
look at the rest of the family.  (There was a great post not long ago by an
LC who thought to treat the dad and after a long battle mom and baby were in
balance.  I can't find it in my "Best of..." section.  Maybe the sender
could re-post it.) Look at diet (a very important factor), teats, bras, and
stress (?!).

When a mom first comes to me with symptoms of yeast over-growth, the hardest
thing, after finding an md. who will treat her, is convincing her of the
seriousness and persistence of this infection. After several remissions and
recurrences she is ready to "do whatever it takes" to resolve the condition.
Then we can make real progress.

Patricia Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee


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