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Can you put breastmilk in babys eye for pink eye?

Understanding the Use of Breastmilk for Pink Eye
In the realm of home remedies, breastmilk often surfaces as a natural treatment for various ailments, including pink eye, or conjunctivitis. This condition, characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, can be triggered by infections, allergies, or irritants. The question arises: Can you put breastmilk in a baby’s eye for pink eye?
The Science Behind Breastmilk
Breastmilk is renowned for its nutritional value and immune-boosting properties. It contains antibodies, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria that help protect infants from infections. Some proponents of using breastmilk for pink eye argue that these components can provide relief and possibly aid in healing.
The Argument for Breastmilk
Advocates for using breastmilk as an eye drop suggest that its natural composition may help soothe irritation and fight off pathogens. The idea is that the immunoglobulins and other components in breastmilk could potentially provide a defense against the bacteria or viruses causing conjunctivitis.
Medical Opinions
However, medical professionals generally advise against using breastmilk in the eyes. While breastmilk is safe for ingestion, the eye is a sensitive organ, and introducing substances that are not specifically formulated for ocular use can lead to complications. Infectious agents could potentially be transferred to the eye through breastmilk, especially if the milk is not expressed and stored properly.
Recommended Treatments
For treating pink eye, medical experts recommend seeking guidance from a healthcare provider. Common treatments include:
– Antibiotic Eye Drops: For bacterial conjunctivitis, prescribed by a doctor.
– Antihistamines: For allergic conjunctivitis to reduce symptoms.
– Warm Compresses: To soothe discomfort and reduce swelling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the notion of using breastmilk for treating pink eye stems from its beneficial properties, it is not a medically endorsed practice. Consulting a healthcare professional is the safest and most effective approach to managing pink eye in infants. They can provide appropriate treatments that ensure the health and safety of the child.

What gets rid of pink eye quickly?

A doctor can examine the eye and recommend treatments, such as:

  1. applying antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
  2. applying warm compresses to the eyes to reduce swelling.
  3. flushing the eyes with a saline solution to reduce excess mucus and pus buildup.

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.

Is breast milk antibacterial?

Laboratory and clinical studies have supported that human breast milk is able to decrease bacterial-related diarrhea 9, urinary tract infection 10,11, and many other diseases associated with bacterial infection 12.

Can breastmilk clear eye discharge?

Results: The number of patients improved eye discharge was 119/155 (76.8%) and 119/157 (75.8%) in BM and OS groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups. The improvement score in eye discharge was 1.76 ± 0.91 in the BM group and 1.71 ± 0.96 in the OS group.

How to treat baby gunky eye?

Treatment

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Wet a sterile cotton ball with saline solution.
  3. Gently wipe your baby’s eye from the inside corner to the outside corner. Use a new cotton ball for each wipe.
  4. Dry the eye using a different cotton ball, wiping from the inside corner out.
  5. Wash your hands.

How do you get rid of conjunctivitis in babies fast?

Treatment depends on what type of conjunctivitis your child has. If it’s bacterial conjunctivitis, your child may need antibiotic ointment or drops. Put the drops in both eyes. Keep using the drops until 2 days after the discharge has gone.

Can breast milk cure pink eye in babies?

For actual bacterial pink eye, what evidence there is shows that mother’s milk is unlikely to be effective for the bacteria that cause this infection. And certainly, in a newborn, genuine pink eyes need to be evaluated by a physician–don’t fool around with home treatments with mother’s milk or anything else.

Can you clean baby’s eyes 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.

What can I put in my baby’s eye for pink eye?

A cool compress (like a washcloth with cool water) may help with swelling and puffiness. Your baby’s doctor may also recommend using a saline (salt) solution to help rinse out your baby’s eyes. If your newborn has pink eye caused by bacteria, the doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic.

How to get rid of conjunctivitis fast in babies?

Treatment depends on what type of conjunctivitis your child has. If it’s bacterial conjunctivitis, your child may need antibiotic ointment or drops. Put the drops in both eyes. Keep using the drops until 2 days after the discharge has gone.

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.

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