How to Use Breastmilk to Treat an Ear Infection
An ear infection can occur for a number of reasons. Babies tend to suffer from them due to a buildup of fluid in the ear canal. This can be from eating while lying down or from a cold. According to the University of Michigan (UM), children are most likely to have an ear infection between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. UM also points out that antibodies provided to an infant through breast milk will reduce the risk of ear infection. Prevent an ear infection by keeping baby propped up while eating and avoid second-hand tobacco smoke, per UM. Treatment is usually provided at home unless the infection is accompanied by a fever.
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Instructions
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Express breast milk either with a breast pump or manually. Collect the milk in a small sanitary receptacle. Only a little is needed, so do not fully express your breasts.
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Suck up a small amount of breast milk with the dropper.
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Place baby in a comfortable position on her side in your lap and administer three to four drops of breast milk into her ear. If you are able, place the drops in your baby's ear while she is nursing. Do not insert the dropper into the ear canal, but instead hold the dropper just at the entrance of the ear canal and let the drops fall into her ear. Wait five seconds to allow the drops time to run further into the ear.
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Repeat this method four to five times per day for no more than two to three days. If the pain seems to be severe or if ear discomfort is accompanied by fever, do not attempt home treat, but seek medical advice instead.
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Tips & Warnings
Hold a warm cloth over the infected ear to help reduce the pain.
Consult your pediatrician if your baby seems to be in severe pain or has a fever. Using breastmilk to relieve an ear infection does not have any medical support but is talked about in homeopathic and alternative medicine discussions and articles.
