by Samuelina Wan (from "Keeping Abreast" Apr-Jun 1999 issue)
Did you think that Breastmilk is only for feeding baby? As breastmilk is “clean” and has anti-bacterial & healing properties, have you considered other great uses for it?
Here are some that you can try!
[Note: Suitable for babies & children, and even adults!]
- Eye infections / Conjuctivitis ("Pink Eye"): Squirt into the eye. Do this as frequently as possible until healed. If the baby/child doesn’t allow you to squirt breastmilk into his eye, then do it while they are sleeping. Squirt around the crease of closed eyes, then gently lift the lids to allow the breastmilk to seep into the eye.
- Sore/cracked nipples: Rub into nipples after feedings and air dry.
- Scratches/Scrapes/Cuts: Squirt & clean wound first with the breastmilk; then apply some more on wound and air dry. This is really great when on outings where no ready water supply is available. If the cut is on the lips or mouth area, healing will be especially easy for a breastfeeding baby or child. Just the simple act of nursing the child not only calms the child from the pain of the injury, but the breastmilk that must pass the wound during nursing will close the cut rather quickly.
- Mosquito bites / Ant bites: Squirt on bite and rub in. Helps to stop the itching.
- Ear infections: Squirt or pour into sore ear
- Acne / Eczema / Diaper rash: Wash skin with water, then apply breastmilk all over. Air Dry.
- Facial Cleanser: Apply breastmilk on face & wipe clean. Great even for removing eye-makeup!
- Sore throats/Mouth Sores: A baby/child that is still breastfeeding can benefit by directly nursing. If not, drinking a cup of expressed breastmilk will help.
- Stuffy noses: Squirt into nose and suction or squeeze out as you would with saline.
3 comments:
Holy cow or should I say holy mamma! I have been a breastfeeding advocate forever and I had NO idea that it was so great for all of this "other stuff"! That's for the info! Happy breastfeeding month to you!!
Gabby has horrible eye trouble. She had clogged ducts as an infant and has narrow tear ducts. They were great after she had them probbed about 1 1/2 years ago, but lately they have been getting gunky and watery again. Our ped. said we may have to go back to the opthamologist. On Monday we started putting a few drops of breast milk in her eye. I will let you know if it helps or not.
Excellent post!!
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