Breastmilk is an amazing substance that has the ability to nourish your baby and act as a healing agent for both you and your baby.
Breastfeeding mothers are quick to tout the nutritional benefits of giving their babies breastmilk but the antibacterial and healing properties of breastmilk are often overlooked. Human milk, if properly expressed, is a sterile solution and can be used in a variety of ways to promote healing and clean wounds.
Pink Eye
Express a small amount of breastmilk directly into your infant’s eyes to cure Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis. This is easiest to do if your baby is sleeping but with a little extra effort you can apply breastmilk to your infant’s eyes while he is awake. If your baby’s eyes are closed, squirt a small amount of breastmilk in the inside corner of his eye and gently lift the eyelids up so that the breastmilk covers his eye. For older babies or toddlers it may be easiest to express breastmilk first and then use a bottle to drip the breastmilk into your child’s eyes.
Stuffy Nose
Stuffy noses can be very frustrating for young babies who are unable to take over the counter medications to alleviate symptoms. There are many natural remedies for colds that can help your baby feel better when he is congested, but one of the best treatments is breastmilk. Use breastmilk just as you would use saline drops. Squirt a small amount of breastmilk in your infant’s nose while he is lying on his back. Let the breastmilk sit in his nose for a few minutes and then use a bulb syringe to suction out your baby’s nose.
Eczema, Skin Rashes, and Diaper Rashes
The antibacterial properties in breastmilk make it an ideal treatment for a variety of skin conditions both for your baby and for you. Eczema is a chronic skin conditions that affects many infants and it can be very difficult to treat without prescription creams. Breastmilk can be a wonderful eczema treatment because it is mild on your baby’s skin and does not contain extra ingredients that will aggravate allergies. Wash the affected area with breastmilk to be sure it is clean. Breastmilk is a sterile solution and will clean your infant’s skin gently. After the area has been cleaned, apply a thin layer of breastmilk and allow it to air dry. This same technique can be used to prevent eczema flare-ups, treat other skin rashes, and cure and prevent diaper rashes.
Ear Infections
Ear infections cause a lot of pain and sometimes there is a delay before you can get your infant into the pediatrician. A small amount of breastmilk can be squirted inside your infant’s ear to begin the healing process and relieve some of the pain.
Insect Bites
Insect bites on infants, toddlers, or adults can be treated by rubbing a small amount of breastmilk onto the bite to relieve itching and promote healing.
Sore Nipples
Breastfeeding can cause sore and cracked nipples from time to time. There are many products available that claim to cure and prevent sore nipples but the simplest and most natural solution is to rub a little bit of breastmilk on your nipples after each feeding and allow it to air dry. This will help cure cracked nipples and prevent any further damage.
Makeup Remover and Skin Cleanser
Breastmilk can be used to gently cleanse your skin and remove makeup. Breastmilk can prevent acne and other skin conditions and can even remove eye makeup easily.
Contact Lens Solution
If you wear contacts, you have likely found yourself in a situation where you had dry or scratch contacts and no saline solution. Water can dry your contacts but breastmilk is a sterile solution and has a lot of moisturizing properties in it.
Chapped Lips
A small amount of breastmilk rubbed into your lips or your toddlers lips will cure chapped lips and keep them moist for hours.
Breast Milk Donation
Breastmilk can be a lifesaver for preemies or sick babies. Consider donating your breastmilk to help infants in need.
The content of this article is intended for information only and readers should always consult a doctor or pediatrician before following the suggestions.
