Does breastmilk help with a clogged tear duct?

The Healing Power of Breastmilk for Clogged Tear Ducts
In the realm of natural remedies, breastmilk has emerged as a surprising contender for treating clogged tear ducts in infants. This condition, often characterized by excessive tearing or discharge from the eyes, can be distressing for both babies and their parents. Recent discussions and studies suggest that breastmilk, rich in antibodies and nutrients, may offer a gentle and effective solution.
Breastmilk’s Antibacterial Properties
Breastmilk is not just a source of nutrition; it is also packed with infection-fighting antibodies. These components make it a natural treatment for various ailments, including clogged tear ducts. According to experts, applying breastmilk directly to the affected eye can help combat infections that may be contributing to the blockage. The antibodies present in breastmilk can assist in reducing inflammation and promoting healing, making it a viable option for parents seeking home remedies.
Application Method
To utilize breastmilk for this purpose, parents are advised to place a drop or two into the inner corner of the baby’s closed eye. As the infant opens their eyes, the milk will naturally flow into the eye, delivering its beneficial properties directly where needed. This method can be repeated several times a day over the course of a week or two, depending on the severity of the condition.
Clinical Support for Breastmilk Use
A study highlighted in medical literature supports the efficacy of breastmilk as a treatment for eye discharge in infants. The findings suggest that breastmilk is as effective as traditional treatments for managing eye discharge in infants under six months old. This evidence bolsters the argument for using breastmilk as a first-line treatment, particularly for parents looking for non-pharmaceutical options.
Conclusion
While clogged tear ducts are a common issue in infants, the use of breastmilk as a treatment is gaining traction among parents and healthcare providers alike. Its natural composition not only nourishes but also aids in healing, making it a remarkable remedy. As always, parents should consult with a pediatrician if symptoms persist or worsen, but for many, breastmilk may provide a simple and effective solution to this common infant ailment.

Can breastmilk cure clogged tear ducts?

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.

How do you position a baby to clear a clogged duct?

Another option: Try to latch your baby so her chin and nose are pointing towards the clog, so her suction is aimed directly at the affected duct and the chin may also help massage the area.

Is it okay to put breast milk in baby’s eye?

A Definite NO NO! Putting breast milk into the eye or any sort of milk into the eye can cause serious infections that can even lead to blindness if not treated promptly!

How to clear up baby blocked tear duct?

Often a blocked tear duct clears up on its own, especially in babies under 6 months old. If your child has a blocked tear duct, your doctor may show you how to massage the eye several times a day at home for a few months. Massaging can help open the blockage.

Why does my baby have yellow gunk in his eyes?

Having yellow or white discharge in the eyes (known as ‘sticky eyes’) is common in newborns and small babies. Sticky eyes are caused by narrow or blocked tear ducts. This often happens in newborn babies while their tear ducts are developing.

Can breast milk help a clogged tear duct?

Try placing a drop or two of breast milk directly into the inner portion of your baby’s eyes while they are closed— once they open their eyes, the milk will fall into the eyes and work to clear up any infection. Use this treatment a few times a day for a week or two or until their tear ducts have cleared up.

How do you clear a baby’s gunky eye?

If a baby has gunky eyes, a parent or caregiver may be able to treat the symptom at home by gently wiping the area with a cotton ball or cloth and lukewarm water. However, it is important to contact a doctor, as medical treatments may be necessary if it is due to an infection or other underlying cause.

How to get rid of yellow eye mucus?

Yellow Mucus
It’s important to have an accurate diagnosis of the cause. You might be tempted to squeeze the trapped mucus out like a pimple. This is not recommended, as it could cause the stye to get infected. A warm compress on your eye can relieve symptoms.

How do you treat gunky eyes in babies?

If the symptoms are mild, gentle cleaning of the eyes with cotton balls soaked in warm water may help your child feel better. Clean in one direction only, outwards from the inside (nose side) of the eye. This prevents the other eye becoming infected if only one eye is affected.

Will breastmilk help pink eye?

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.