The yeast connection - is candida linked to breastfeeding-associated pain?

Abstract

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding of infants for at least the first 12 months of age. Breast pain is second only to insufficient milk supply as a reason for cessation of breastfeeding. Although some believe Candida to be a significant cause of this breastfeeding-associated pain, the published data is conflicting. The objective of this study was to determine whether isolation of Candida from cultures of breast milk, areolae and/or infant oropharynx was associated with breastfeeding-associated pain.