Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Can I put breastmilk in my babies gunky eye?

Can I put breastmilk in my babies gunky eye?

Understanding Gunky Eyes in Babies
When it comes to caring for a baby with gunky or sticky eyes, many parents find themselves searching for effective remedies. A common concern is whether breast milk can be used to alleviate this issue. Gunky eyes in infants can result from various causes, including blocked tear ducts, conjunctivitis, or even a cold. It’s essential to understand the underlying cause before deciding on a treatment.
The Role of Breast Milk
Breast milk is renowned for its nutritional benefits and immune-boosting properties. Some parents have turned to breast milk as a potential remedy for their baby’s eye issues, believing that its natural antibodies might help combat infections. According to some sources, breast milk has been suggested as a treatment for conditions like conjunctivitis and other eye discharges.
A study indicated that breast milk could be as effective as traditional saline solutions for treating eye discharge in infants under six months old. This suggests that, in certain cases, breast milk might serve as a viable first-line treatment for eye issues in young babies.
Cautions and Considerations
However, while there are anecdotal reports of success, it’s crucial to approach this remedy with caution. Experts recommend consulting a healthcare professional before applying breast milk to a baby’s eyes. Conditions like conjunctivitis can sometimes require medical treatment, and using breast milk might not address the underlying issue effectively.
Additionally, while breast milk is generally safe, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If a baby’s gunky eye persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as redness or swelling, seeking medical attention is advisable.
Conclusion
In summary, while some parents have found success using breast milk for their baby’s gunky eyes, it is essential to consider the specific cause of the eye discharge and consult with a healthcare provider. Breast milk may offer some benefits due to its natural properties, but it should not replace professional medical care when needed. Always prioritize your baby’s health and well-being by seeking expert advice when dealing with health concerns.

What can I put on my baby’s eye discharge?

Wash your hands. Wet a sterile cotton ball with saline solution. Gently wipe your baby’s eye from the inside corner to the outside corner. Use a new cotton ball for each wipe.

How do you clean a baby’s sticky eye with breast milk?

There is also evidence to support using breastmilk to clean your baby’s eye. This will not cause any harm to your baby.

Can breastmilk help a clogged tear duct?

The antibodies in breastmilk can help fight off infections. Putting a few drops of breast milk can help clear your baby’s blocked tear duct, can help get rid of diaper rash, and even help with ear infections. It can even help adults too.

Does breast milk help baby with mucus?

Breast milk in the nose
Some people feel that putting breast milk in a baby’s nose works just as well as saline drops to soften mucus. Carefully put a little milk right into your baby’s nose while feeding. When you sit them up after eating, the mucus will likely slide right out.

What can I do for my baby’s gunky eyes?

What should you do?

  1. Clean the stickiness from your baby’s eyes using cotton wool and clean water.
  2. Clean each eye starting from the corner by the nose and wipe outwards.
  3. Use a clean piece of cotton wool for each wipe and each eye.
  4. If the skin becomes sore you can use a little vaseline on the clean, dry skin to protect it.

How to unblock baby tear duct?

Place the tip of your index finger against the side of your child’s nose, in the corner of the eye with the blocked tear duct (Picture 2). Press firmly and move your index finger in short downward strokes 3 to 5 times. Repeat these steps 3 times each day – morning, noon, and night.

Can I put breast milk in my baby’s eye?

However, breast milk is not effective against all bacterial eye infections. In addition, it typically does not eradicate the infection, but only seems to suppress it. If your infant’s eye infection goes untreated, they could develop long-term eye damage.

How can I treat my baby’s eye infection at home?

Using cool or warm compresses on the eyes may make your child more comfortable. Clean the edges of the infected eye carefully with warm water and gauze or cotton balls. This can also remove the crusts of dried discharge that make the eyelids stick together in the morning.

Is breast milk good for conjunctivitis?

Can I use breast milk for pink eye? Breastmilk could be more harmful than helpful for pink eye. One of the few studies on whether breast milk can fight infections found that it didn’t cure the most common causes of pink eye — and worse, breastmilk can introduce new bacteria into the eye and cause serious infection.

Does breastmilk help baby eye discharge?

A 2021 study found that breast milk was no less effective at treating eye discharge in infants than sodium azulene sulfonate hydrate 0.02% ophthalmic solution (OS). They recommend using breast milk as eye drops for babies up to 6 months of age.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment