>In my community it is tradition to bake a yeast bread for the Sabbath
>(known as "challah"). We also see a lot of yeast infections.
>Pat, do you think mothers could lessen their exposure if they made a big
>batch of dough and then froze portions, so that they wouldn't have to
>work with the dough that frequently?

That is an idea that could be tried.

I would suggest that they wear a face mask while working with the live
yeast and then after kneading the dough and putting it on the pan, I would
recommend rinsing their hands, using a fingernail brush, with a solution of
1 T. of *white* vinegar in 1 C. of water. Vinegar isn't antifungal, but it
creates a ph that isn't favorable to yeast growth.

Since a yeast overgrowth is systemic, I would strongly suspect inhaling as
the major pathway. Doing the rinse would be an added preventive because of
putting hands into mouth.

You are right, Pearl, about the immune system.  Not every mother who has
abx at birth goes on to develop a yeast overgrowth.  Those who don't, have
a healthier immune system, not an easy state to be in with all of the
stresses our moms are faced with in our non-nurturing society.

I have 6 major clients right now and 3 of them have raging yeast
infections, and two others are taking acidophilus in hopes of preventing
it. The concentration of cases comes in waves and I don't understand what
is the underlying cause.

The good news is that I found another doctor who will treat a yeast
overgrowth in mother and baby with attention and aggression. (This makes
3!!!) She happens to be feeding her own 7-month-old. She even feels
comfortable with my suggestion of gentian violet for the mom who is just
beginning to show symptoms.

This mom began today with the GV and within just a few hours she is more
comfortable.

With the gorgeous, sunny days here in Milwaukee, why are the Yeastie
Beasties taking over my practice?

Patricia Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee


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