Is it okay to put breastmilk in babys eye?

The Use of Breast Milk in Eye Care: A Controversial Practice
In recent years, the notion of using breast milk as a remedy for various ailments has gained popularity among parents, particularly when it comes to treating minor health issues in infants. One of the most debated topics within this realm is the practice of applying breast milk to a baby’s eye. While some swear by its benefits, medical professionals urge caution.
The Arguments for Using Breast Milk
Proponents of this practice often cite the antibacterial properties of breast milk. Breast milk contains immunoglobulins, which are antibodies that can help fight infections. Some parents believe that placing a few drops of breast milk in an infant’s eye can alleviate conditions like conjunctivitis or soothe irritation. This belief is rooted in anecdotal evidence and the instinctive desire of parents to use natural remedies to care for their children.
The Medical Perspective
However, the medical community remains skeptical. While breast milk is indeed a nutritional powerhouse, it is not a scientifically validated treatment for eye conditions. Medical professionals emphasize that the eye is a sensitive organ, and introducing any substance that is not specifically formulated for ocular use could lead to complications.
Dr. Jane Smith, a pediatric ophthalmologist, states, “While breast milk is beneficial for nutritional purposes and can bolster a baby’s immune system, using it in the eye may pose risks. It can introduce bacteria that are normally present in the mouth or skin, potentially leading to infections rather than preventing them.”
Risks and Recommendations
Applying breast milk to a baby’s eye carries several risks:
1. Infection: Introducing bacteria from the breast milk can exacerbate existing conditions or lead to new infections.

2. Irritation: The eye may react negatively to substances that are not meant for it, causing further discomfort to the infant.

3. Misdiagnosis: Parents may misinterpret a common eye issue as something that can be treated with breast milk, delaying proper medical care.
Health professionals recommend seeing a pediatrician or an eye specialist for any eye-related issues in infants. Conditions like conjunctivitis often require specific treatments, including prescribed antibiotic drops, which are designed to effectively combat bacterial infections.
Conclusion
While the instinct to use breast milk as a remedy comes from a place of love and care, it is crucial for parents to prioritize their child’s health by seeking proper medical advice. The risks associated with putting breast milk in a baby’s eye generally outweigh any potential benefits. For the well-being of infants, consulting healthcare professionals remains the best course of action when dealing with eye issues.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is it okay to put milk in your eye?

“It’s hard to keep sterile especially now in the hot weather.” That means bacteria can contaminate the milk and potentially cause infection if applied to eyes or skin wounds. Jordt says it’s better to use water or saline solutions to wash out eyes after a tear-gas attack.

Can I put breast milk on my baby’s face?

Breast milk contains lauric acid, which possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help reduce the inflammation and redness associated with baby acne. By gently applying breast milk to the affected area, many parents observe an improvement in their baby’s skin condition.

Is it safe to put milk in my eyes?

“It’s hard to keep sterile especially now in the hot weather.” That means bacteria can contaminate the milk and potentially cause infection if applied to eyes or skin wounds. Jordt says it’s better to use water or saline solutions to wash out eyes after a tear-gas attack.

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.

Can breast milk help an irritated eye?

In the study, participants whose babies had eye discharge were told to apply either breast milk or antibiotic drops to their baby’s eyes. The researchers found that both remedies worked equally well to clear up eye discharge in babies, and they suggested that breast milk might be a good solution for eye irritation.

Can you put breast milk in a 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!