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Expert Q&A
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| By Mary Kay Smith IBCLC, Lactation Consultant | ||
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What is thrush?
Thrush is a common yeast infection that affects the mucous membranes. Yeast is normally present in the body in harmless amounts, but an overgrowth can occur under a variety of circumstances. The organism thrives on the lactose in milk – be it human or bovine – and thrush can be a problem in a formula-fed baby as well.
A yeast infection in a premature or low birth-weight infant can be life-threatening, as can a yeast infection in an individual whose immune system is impaired by other illness or infection. Luckily, for most people, thrush is not a serious condition and breastfeeding can and should continue.
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