We all know that breast milk comes with a long list of health benefits for infants, but did you know that there are some other uses of this “liquid gold?” Breast milk has also been used as a popular remedy for everything from diaper rashes to teething and even pinkeye.

A 2019 study published in the Nutrients Journal found that “many human milk components have shown promise in preclinical studies. Breast milk is a natural agent and is biologically suitable for the body, having no side effects; it is always available and can be used in all social and economic groups of society.” Why do so many mothers and lactation consultants swear by breast milk to treat some of these conditions? It could have to do with the with the ingredients found in mother’s milk.

“Breast milk also contains certain proteins that help protect against infection,” said Alexis Phillips, a pediatrician in TheBump.com. “Those include lactoferrin, which prevents organisms like yeast from growing, and secretory immunoglobulin, which protects baby from bacteria and viruses. All those protective qualities of breast milk make it an effective natural remedy for a few common ailments.” 

Some of the more popular conditions that Some of the more popular conditions that have been shown to be improved with the use of breast milk include: 

• Diaper rash/dermatitis: A 2017 study in Dermatology Reports explained that breast milk can be an “effective, safe and convenient remedy” for diaper dermatitis. Like a diaper cream, in the study, mothers applied breast milk to their babies three times a day before putting on a diaper. 

• Cradle cap or eczema: Both conditions are common in infants and are usually associated with dry, scaly, itchy skin with eczema often associated with redness as well. “Breast milk is a great moisturizer for cradle cap and eczema, which sometimes are related to allergies or a fungal infection,” said TheBump.com. 

• Baby acne: Early on in infancy, babies can develop red spots on their face. “Usually, baby acne is caused by hormones, but yeast that colonizes the skin can also create an inflammatory response,” said TheBump.com. Breast milk may be recommended “to treat neonatal acne because of the anti-inflammatory effects.” 

• Nasal congestion: “Some people feel that putting breast milk in a baby’s nose works just as well as saline drops to soften mucus. Carefully put a little milk right into your baby’s nose while feeding,” said Healthline.com. 

• Cuts and scrapes: For minor cuts and scrapes, the healing properties in breast milk may be beneficial to soothe pain and inflammation. 

“If using breast milk for home remedies, it’s important to wash your hands and use clean instruments to transfer the milk from breast to body,” said TheBump.com 

While many of these remedies have been sworn by mothers for generations, it’s important to understand that researchers are still conducting clinical studies to confirm them. Although breast milk can be a suitable remedy for some of these conditions, parents should also consult with their pediatricians to ensure that this is suitable for their child. And if the condition worsens, don’t delay in visiting your pediatrician for further interventions. 

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