Perhaps some of you have heard that dripping breast milk on a baby's eyes that has eye mucus can cure them. In infants, eye mucus appears due to delayed development and tear duct opening. This condition causes tears that are supposed to flow to the surface stuck in the corners of the eyes and cause mucus in the baby's eyes. This condition, of course, constantly worries parents. But because they are still babies, people are more afraid to give them drugs and choose alternative treatments, including breast milk.
Is it possible to drip milk into the baby's eyes?
Our society still believes breast milk is the best medicine for babies when they are sick. Some groups still fear going to the doctor and prefer other alternatives. The British Journal of Ophthalmology investigated the breast milk content of 23 mothers who had just given birth at a San Francisco hospital and conducted observations and tested the effects of breast milk on babies' eye secretions. As a result, dripping breast milk into the baby's eyes adds new bacteria to the eye. The bacteria in breast milk can even cause serious eye infections.
Eye mucus in babies is a relatively normal condition. According to the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), about 5% of newborns experience blockages in one or both tear ducts. This condition usually clears up on its own by the age of 6 months to 1 year. But you must be careful if the baby has thick yellow or green discharge from the eyes. It may be that it is not an eye discharge (eye mucus) but an eye infection. Usually, this condition comes from swelling and redness of the skin around the eyes.
How to deal with eye mucus in babies
Some parents are concerned about the condition of their baby's eye mucus. But don't drip with breast milk, okay? According to IDAI, here are two ways parents can do to reduce this condition:
- Light massage. It can be the treatment or first aid. Mothers can gently massage the corners of the eyeballs up to the bridge of the nose. Do it regularly until the baby's eye mucus is lessened.
- Use ointment if there is an infection. This topical medication works to dry up the infection, and it doesn't necessarily open blockages in the baby's tear ducts. But don't rush to give them ointment. Make sure you have consulted a doctor first.
Benefits of breast milk
Breast milk is a functional food rich in benefits and nutrients for a baby's health. Breast milk does provide optimal nutrition for the baby. Breast milk also has strong immunological properties that protect babies against various health problems, such as respiratory diseases, middle ear infections, and gastrointestinal diseases. The Journal of Early Human Development also said breastfeeding has long-term health benefits, including protection against diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
But still, breast milk cannot be used as an antibiotic. Therefore, it is much better to always go to the doctor in case of health problems to check your baby's condition.