What's the effectiveness of alternative uses of breast milk?
I have read various articles that promote breast milk as a cure for many infant problems like diaper rash, red eye, sores and mother problems like sore nipples, injuries etc.
What is the scientific evidence for such use of breast milk? Wouldn't it become a breeding ground for bacteria if applied to skin for a diaper rash? Have any parents used it in that way and what are their experiences? Does it work?
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Breast milk serves the only good purpose as a source of nutrition and immunological defense for babies.
In my experience, as a mother, the best way to avoid diaper rash, is to change nappies regularly and give babies and toddlers time without diapers, as frequently as practical. Regular baths, without strong soaps, and the purest and mildest of products. A baby should never be allowed to sit in a soiled diaper, as this will cause reddening of the skin immediately.
A breast fed baby is, supposedly, likely to have fewer allergies and stronger protection from illness. Provided they ingest the milk via the mouth only.
New mothers, first time breast feeding, almost universally, in the developed world, suffer sore nipples. Our breasts are swaddled in bras and protected from the ordinary chaffing that toughens nipples and reduces their sensitivity to a suckling newborn. The good news is, this passes and many women continue to have good breast feeding experiences without the application of breast milk to alleviate sore nipples.
Any substance with sugar and protein left in a moist environment becomes a potential breeding ground for bacteria.
As for infections, red eye, sores, breast feeding aids immune defence, but good hygiene practices and keeping babies from high risk sources of infections is a better way to deal with these problems, than a squirt of breastmilk in the eye. I'd recommend medical advice for any of these.
There are lots of links to studies showing the beneficial uses of breastmilk here: kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/illness-surgery/healing-breastmilk/
In particular, it does not "become a breeding ground for bacteria" due to its natural antimicrobial properties.
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