Breastmilk, the first alternative medicine

There is no dispute that breastmilk is the best possible food for an infant but the uses for breastmilk go far beyond nutrition. Breastmilk contains antibodies that help fight infections both internally and externally. Breast milk can be used topically as a treatment as well food for your baby.

The first use right after birth is for umbilical cord care, studies have shown that umbilical cords treated with breastmilk alone healed as well if not better than treatment with antibacterial oinments and alcohol. Many mothers save a few ounces of breast milk in their freezer for cuts and scrapes that come with growing up using breast milk in addition to or along with antibiotic creams can reduce scarring and prevent infection of small wounds.

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce ear infections in infants but in the event of an ear infection you can use a few drops of breastmilk in your baby’s infected ear 2 to 3 times per day and the ear infection will be cleared up before you can even get an appointment with your pediatrician. The same treatment applies to eye infections, conjunctivitis (pink eye) can be treated quite effectively with a few drops of breast milk in the eye. This treatment is also generally more comfortable than prescription eye drops that tend to cause a burning sensation.

Setting aside a few ounces of breast milk can also be very helpful for adolescent children with acne and other skin conditions. Daubing the acne outbreaks with breast milk works like benzoyl peroxide (over the counter acne treatment medication).

Breast milk is the best food for your baby and it’s a good idea to set some aside for first aid treatment. Your children might look at you a little funny but they will be happy you kept some around.