Natural Yeast Infection Treatment
On this page, we have one mother's journey over a couple of months of systemic yeast infection and breastfeeding. At first, she wasn’t sure if it was a yeast infection. We have mentioned a few natural yeast infection treatments, among other things.
We hope that some of the information here will help other mothers with similar problems.
Below the comments, are a few helpful links on yeast infection while breastfeeding.
Thank you, Margaret, for sharing your story and for keeping us updated.
Feel free to leave your own experiences and advice below in the comment box.
Baby's Face Breaking Out After Breastfeeding
By Margaret
"I have had a terrible sinus infection for 4 months now. It is taking a toll on me.
A Dr. said I need to get rid of it or I could get an abscess. Since I am breastfeeding, I can not take the stronger antibiotics. I am not sure they will work anyways since I read most chronic sinus infections are caused by fungus.I started taking olive leaf
extract. Desperate for relief, I actually started eating the leaves from
our olive tree in our yard (live in the Mediterranean).
I also started drinking 1 tbs of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water 3 to 5 times a day.
Now my 1.5-year-old baby's face has started to break out, and I think I notice it worse after he breastfeeds.
I
actually noticed his cheeks breaking out during a virus he has had. Did
not relate it to breastfeeding but the virus. I was not eating the
leaves at the time just drinking olive leaf tea.
It was
a few days after I noticed his cheeks with a rash that I started to
actually eat the leaves because I needed something stronger to put a
dent in the sinus infection. However, the outbreak seems worse after I
breastfeed and turns bright red.
Is it the virus or
what I am eating/drinking? What do you think? I am torn between getting
myself well and trying to stop this break out on his face.
Any advice on how to tell what is causing his face to break out? Is there any danger in continuing the olive leaf?
Thank you,"
Nasal Infection and Breastfeeding
Apr 18, 2013
by: Tracy
"I
would suggest that you get tested for a yeast infection. Getting yeast fungus out of sinus mucus is difficult. If any is left, the
yeast multiplies again. Symptoms may be the same as any other sinus
infection, and it’s hard to diagnose, although it may be seen as
greenish, glue-like clumps coming out of the nose.
Yeast
infections are often seen as rashes too, this could be why your baby has the
rash on his face. Certain Antibiotics can often cause yeast infections, and I suspect this is what happened.
Olive leaf extract
is mostly seen as a natural, non-toxic substance, but studies have not
proven or denied its safety for breastfeeding mothers. Many do recommend
it for its natural antibiotic properties.
I, myself, am a
firm believer in Olive leaf extract and am using it at the moment
while breastfeeding. (I have the flu). It has never let me down. I try
to keep to a dose of 30 drops every three hours (while sick) and use 10
drops three times per day when I feel something coming along.
Have
you considered taking garlic? You could eat it as is, or get a garlic
tincture at your nearest herbal shop. Garlic can boost your immune
system, and this will help fight off any fungus infection.
Garlic
has antibacterial/ antibiotic properties to it. Garlic is also
antiviral, antifungal; it is a natural antioxidant and is often used to
fight ear and nose infections. Garlic is safe while breastfeeding and is
known to increase baby’s appetite and encourages more extended nursing
sessions (they like the taste of the garlic in the milk)
The
rash on your baby’s face could be the result of many things. It could
be that the amount of olive leaf extract is too high. It could be a new
soap or new washing powder you are using. It could be that while you are
breastfeeding, the skin gets irritated from friction or a new perfume
you are using?
The rash could also be a result of something in your breast milk, something new to your diet, or something new in Baby’s diet.
Hope this helps, and please keep me updated."
Thank You and a Few More Questions
Apr 18, 2013
by: Margaret
"Thank you so much for your reply. It helps me a lot.
Today
I definitely noticed that his rash occurs right after I breastfeed. He
shows no symptoms except a bright red rash that fades away several hours
later, though not entirely.
Would it work for me to wait a certain length of time after taking the olive leaf so that less of it is in my breast milk?
How long would I need to wait?
I
put a little olive tea on his arm to see if it caused a reaction and it
did not. However, I don't know if that is very telling of anything.
I
read that the olive leaf has not been proven safe or unsafe. I figured
our goats eat it and their milk is safe to give a baby.
I actually am surprised he may be having an adverse reaction to it. I considered it so much safer than taking an antibiotic.
I
went to the Dr. today, and she prescribed me an antibiotic. I really do
not want to take it. I do not think it is good for the baby and my own
gut is damaged enough.
I already cannot eat gluten or
dairy. I also think this is fungal or viral. The olive leaf has been
helping me since I increased the dose and I am so discouraged that it
may be causing the baby a problem.
I will try the
garlic. Thank you for the advice about yeast too. Maybe I can tell if
that is the problem. The only other food I am eating that is something
new is the increased amount of apple vinegar.
Would that be harmful? Thank you so much for being patient with all of my questions and for trying to help me."
More Info
Apr 19, 2013
by: Tracy
"I’m happy to hear that the information has helped.
Yes,
you could take the Olive leaf extract immediately after breastfeeding,
this will give your system a chance to metabolize it before your baby
breastfeeds again.
I cannot tell you what to do, but I, myself, do not take antibiotics, I believe that they should only be used
in real emergencies and the doctors are too quick to prescribe them.
If
I were you, I would continue to take the Olive leaf extract and then
the garlic. You can also try eating more fruits, especially fruits that
are rich in Vitamin C such as strawberries, papaya, kiwi, guava and
such.
You mentioned that your gut is damaged; this
could also be a sign of yeast infection, especially if you are
struggling with diarrhea, bloating, gas or any irritable bowel syndrome
symptoms. Remember that if you do get treated for yeast infection, you
will need to get baby treated too, this will prevent the two of you
reinfecting each other later.
I don’t think the apple
cider vinegar would cause problems, but then this is also one of those
items that are unknown for safety during breastfeeding. You could stop
taking it for a week and see if the problem persists.
I hope for your sake that the infection clears up soon."
Update
Apr 19, 2013
by: Margaret
"Thanks again especially since you have the flu!
I
hope you are feeling better. Has the olive leaf helped you much? I
agree with you about antibiotics, and I have not taken it yet.
I
stopped the olive leaf late yesterday afternoon and did not use it
again until around noon today. During that time period my symptoms got
worse, and by noon I was desperate to use it again.
Right
before using it, I breastfed the baby. His cheeks got red. I then put
some olive leaf puree that I made on one cheek to see what would happen.
It almost immediately made his cheek less red and seemed to soothe it.
This told me he is not allergic to the olive leaf itself. Made me think this is yeast like you said.
I
then ate the puree and drank some tea and immediately started feeling
better too. My cheek is very swollen from infected salivary glands.
Don't know why I have that problem. The olive leaf relieves that also. I
decided to treat this sinus infection like it is a fungal/yeast
infection.
Long story short, the pharmacy here said
they never use yeast medications for sinus infections, only antibiotics.
My husband was still able to get fluconazole. He did not need a
prescription for it.
I read, on the internet, this is ok to take while breastfeeding. Do you think this is a good way to treat this infection?
I
plan to keep doing the olive leaf too, and I will start the garlic
(husband forgot it). I also started a probiotic. Do you know how I would
also treat the baby for this?
Doctors here are no help
to me because it is as if they never heard of a sinus infection being
caused by fungus. I read that a sinus infection caused by yeast can be
fatal if left untreated and that antibiotics make it worse!
I
am hoping this info and experiment will somehow help someone else who
may have a similar problem. Thank you again for taking the time while
you are sick with the flu."
Boost Natural Immunity with Natural Yeast Infection Treatment
Apr 20, 2013
by: Tracy
"HI!
Yes,
I actually only had the flu symptoms for that one day and the next day I
was fine, which is terrific because before, without the olive leaf
extract, I would get sick for 4 to 5 days at a time.
You
can ask your doctor or pharmacist for a safe topical antifungal cream
for baby’s rash. Try the fluconazole, it might just work. Then you will
know what’s been causing the problem.
The medications
will mostly treat the symptoms. It is essential that you rebuild your
baby’s, and your natural immunity to yeast by correcting any imbalance
that allowed the yeast to grow in the first place.
You
should try to avoid the following foods that cause yeast
growth…Mushrooms, Pickled vegetables, Deep fried foods, Monosodium
glutamate, Smoked fish and meat, Dried fruits, Yeast products like
bread, Dairy products, Sweets, Beer, wine and sodas.
Other
natural remedies for fighting yeast infection include taking cod liver
and fish oil and eating virgin coconut oil. (which are wonderful for
overall health as well)
Washing your nasal cavities out with a solution of salt and room temperature purified water can also help clear the sinuses.
Let me know how it goes. ;-)"
Systemic Yeast Problem and Breastfeeding
by: Margaret
"HI,
I wrote to you months ago and had been meaning to get back to you for a long time to let you know the outcome of my problems.
I had been suffering for many months with a sinus infection. My baby had a rash on his face after breastfeeding.
Your
first word back to me was YEAST. I had never thought about that, and
neither had the doctors. You nailed it. I have spent several months
trying to get on the right candida diet for me. Just started a very
strict diet where all I eat are eggs, spices, and some vegetables. I am
drinking strong olive leaf tea, taking garlic several times a day,
trying to eat lots of oregano, and taking coconut (which seems to be
helping the most). I also take a strong dose of a probiotic. I am having
what I think to be strong die-off symptoms. I have a metal- like taste
in my mouth, upset stomach, weak/ lack of energy.
My
questions are 1. Do you think any of the things I am taking to get rid
of the yeast in my body would be harmful while breastfeeding? How much
oregano would be too much? I know I can not take oil of oregano, but I
have been putting extra dried oregano in all my food...maybe like 1/2 to
3/4 a tablespoon per meal. 2. I read yeast releases over 80 toxins some
being alcohol, formaldehyde, and ammonia. I am worried during all this
die off that these toxins are getting into my breast milk. Do you know
anything about this? 3. What is your suggestion to me, to keep
breastfeeding or to stop?
My son loves to breastfeed so I really would find it very hard to stop; however, I do not want to harm him.
Thank you so much for your help. I am so thankful I found this website."
Natural Yeast Infection Treatment
Jun 30, 2013
by: Tracy
"Hi Margaret
It's so lovely to hear from you again, sorry for taking so long to reply.
I can’t believe that you are still struggling with this problem!
Oregano is safe while breastfeeding, the other things shouldn't have an adverse effect. Have you noticed any changes in your baby such as fussiness or over-sleepiness, drowsiness, changes in stool??
It is always recommended to continue breastfeeding while you have a yeast infection, the benefits of breast milk far outweigh any danger of toxins released during a yeast infection...unless you start seeing negative reactions in your child.
So my recommendation is that you definitely carry on breastfeeding and therefore continue to give Baby the best source of nutrition possible.
I really hope this problem gets sorted out soon, I would suggest you see a specialist or herbalist...but make sure that they are knowledgeable about yeast infections and that they are "breastfeeding friendly."
All the best!
Tracy"
