MYTHS PART 3: “BREAST MILK CAN CURE EYE PROBLEMS IN NEWBORN BABIES”
Many individuals, particularly those residing in rural areas, believe that if a baby has mucus or redness in their eyes, the mother should administer a few drops of breast milk, with some reporting positive outcomes as the redness disappears after a few days. In this blog post, we will walk you through whether it is accurate or incorrect to use breast milk as a remedy for eye issues in newborns.
This belief has evolved into a cultural custom. Undoubtedly, breast milk contains numerous nutrients and components that aid in the baby’s healthy development, and this is why nursing mothers utilize breast milk as a remedy for eye problems. Given this, there are available baby formulas that can fulfill the role of breast milk. Why do we not use these formulas to treat our babies’ eye problems? Additionally, while human blood is unsurpassed in fighting infections and illnesses, it has never been considered a substitute for curing eye issues. why?
The rationale for not employing the above is simple. Breast milk, baby formula, and blood are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria, meaning microorganisms can easily thrive when exposed to these substances outside the body. Thus, instead of benefiting the child, using these substances on the eyes, it puts the child at risk of infection or further complications. Breast milk is most effective when the child regularly consumes it to address eye problems rather than when applied directly to the eyes. The immune-boosting properties in breast milk safeguard the child from diseases, which is only effective when the child consumes the breast milk orally.
One may then ask, why are positive results observed when they apply breast milk directly to the eyes?
HERE IS WHY, IT MAY SEEM LIKE POSITIVE RESULTS ARE OBSERVED.
The reality is that the improvement in the eye condition is not due to the direct application of breast milk to the eyes but rather the infant ingesting the breast milk, which aids in overcoming the eye condition. Directly applying breast milk prolongs the resolution by compounding the effect.
In conclusion, applying breast milk directly to the eyes does not resolve eye issues. It complicates them and should be discouraged among nursing mothers. Kindly share this information with your loved ones; as you might be helping someone. To conclude this discussion, schedule an appointment at TREETOP VISION EYE CENTRE (TREVEC), the best eye clinic in Utako Abuja.
Stay tuned to our subsequent discussion as we continue on the series Myths versus Truths in Eye care.
TREVEC CARES!!!
Very interesting
Thank you