Candida: the hidden deterrent to breastfeeding.
The '80s and '90s have been characterized by an increase in the number of breastfeeding mothers. The added health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, the father's influence, maternal age, family practices and education all may contribute to a mother's decision to breastfeed. Although the incidence of mothers choosing to breastfeed their infants has increased, both research and practice indicate that a significant number of mothers stop breastfeeding long before their target date. Among the many reasons given for the early cessation of breastfeeding is the complaint of persistently sore and red nipples. Such a complaint should raise a red flag to the hospital or community nurse. The pain and redness could be due to Candida albicans.
MacDonald
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D000328:Adult; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002179:Candidiasis, Cutaneous / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission*; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000635:transmission; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009558:Nipples