Hello, this is my first posting and I hope I'm doing it right.  I am Susan
Aldana, IBCLC. I'm currently the LC at White Memorial Medical Center in Los
Angeles.  Our patient population is 98% Hispanic so I speak Spanish all day.
I've been a LLL Leader since 1975, IBCLC since 1985 and had a doula service
awhile back.   I love my avocation and consider it a privilege to have been
there to watch the genesis of lactation consulting.  We have really come a
long way, baby!

Re: systemic yeast problems.  Sometimes this is a one time only thing and
Diflucan takes care of it.  But often, more and more, I see moms who have
persistent yeast overgrowth problems.  It's like their immune systems have a
weakness for candida.

I find diet, immune system support, anti-candida supplements,and enviromental
controls help.
DIET: Avoid sugar in all forms and other simple carbohydrates. NO sodas,
cookies, fruit juices, honey, maple syrup.  Avoid yeast containing foods:
yeast-raised bread, beer, wine, funky cheeses, etc.  See "The Yeast
Connection" by Crook for more info.
IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT:  "Aquaflora" is a non-alcoholic liquid homeopathic that
comes in 6X and 30X for candida problems.  Follow instructions on package.
Can be given to children and babies, too.

ANTI-CANDIDA SUPPLEMENTS:
Pau d"Arco herbal tea (boiled briefly, not steeped), drunk daily has been
helpful for many.  I know of no studies examining the safety of this product
in lactating mothers, but have never seen ill effects.

Acidophilus- lots at least 2X/day on an empty stomach.

ENVIROMENTAL CONTROLS-  Sometimes there is mold infestation in the house.  Was
there ever a flood?  Leaking pipes that weren't fixed promptly?  Poor drainage
under the house?   Is the house full of pets, dust, etc that mother is
allergic to and this is pulling down the immune system?  Is she under alot of
stress? Marital problems?  Again adverse effects on the immune system.

Most mother/baby dyads who have persistent yeast problems do improve
dramatically if we implement the above suggestions.  However, they often need
to continue at least mild dietary control( low sugar) for a long time, months,
sometimes years.

Since I'm new to LACTNET, if you guys already know this stuff, forgive me for
being repetitious.  Susan