Is it OK to put breastmilk in babys eye?

The Use of Breast Milk in Treating Eye Issues in Infants
The practice of using breast milk as a remedy for eye problems in infants, particularly for conditions like conjunctivitis or eye discharge, has gained popularity among some parents. However, the safety and efficacy of this approach are subjects of ongoing debate among healthcare professionals.
Breast Milk’s Nutritional and Immunological Benefits
Breast milk is renowned for its nutritional value and the protective antibodies it contains, which can bolster an infant’s immune system. Many mothers believe that these properties can extend beyond nutrition, leading to the notion that breast milk can be used to treat minor ailments, including eye infections. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that breast milk may help alleviate symptoms of conditions like pink eye or blocked tear ducts.
Scientific Perspectives on Efficacy
Research has shown that breast milk can indeed have some beneficial effects on eye infections. For instance, a study indicated that breast milk could be as effective as traditional saline solutions in treating eye discharge in infants under six months. This suggests that while breast milk may not be a cure-all, it could serve as a viable first-line treatment for certain mild eye conditions.
However, it is crucial to note that while breast milk may help suppress some infections, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. In cases of serious infections, such as ophthalmia neonatorum, which can be caused by gonorrhea, antibiotic eye drops are typically necessary to fully eradicate the infection.
Risks and Considerations
Despite the potential benefits, there are significant risks associated with placing breast milk in a baby’s eyes. Health experts caution against this practice, as it may not be safe for all types of eye conditions. For example, using breast milk for treating serious infections could delay appropriate medical intervention, leading to complications. Additionally, there are concerns that improper handling or contamination of breast milk could introduce harmful bacteria into the eye, potentially worsening the situation.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk does contain beneficial properties that may help with minor eye issues in infants, it is essential to approach this practice with caution. Parents should consult healthcare professionals before attempting to use breast milk as a treatment for eye conditions. Relying solely on breast milk for serious infections could pose risks, and timely medical advice is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of the child.

What happens if breast milk goes in baby’s eyes?

Filled with antibodies, vitamins, and minerals breastmilk can work wonders on your young infant’s body. 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.

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

Filled with antibodies, vitamins, and minerals breastmilk can work wonders on your young infant’s body. 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.

Can breastmilk help pink eye in babies?

You guys there is zero evidence showing that breast milk does anything for pink eye. Not only that but there are over hundred strains of bacteria in breast milk. It is not a sterile fluid which means that you could be causing a worse infection in your baby that could potentially make him go blind.

Why does my baby have yellow gunk in his eyes?

It is normal for a baby to have a little bit of yellow or white discharge in the corner of one or both eyes and can cause the eyelashes to stick together. This can last for several months.

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.

What happens if milk goes in the eyes?

That’s because there’s no way to kill all the bacteria in milk, even when it’s pasteurized. Any milk that touches your eyes has the potential to cause an eye infection, which adds all sorts of risks that are best avoided.

Can I use breast milk to clean baby eyes?

Filled with antibodies, vitamins, and minerals breastmilk can work wonders on your young infant’s body. 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.

How to flush a baby’s eye?

Use fingers to separate your child’s eyelids. Then flush the eye with water from a faucet or clean container. Get emergency medical care right away. Cover your child’s eye.

Will breast milk 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.

How do you treat a baby’s goopy eye?

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.