Swiss Army Milk
To Thine Own Breastmilk Be True
By Brian W. Donnelly, M.D., F.A.B.M.
In a recent article from the Turkish Archives of Pediatrics, the uses of breastmilk for non-feeding purposes are examined. As we know, breastmilk is more than just milk. It contains white blood cells that fight infection, enzymes, and anti-inflammatory agents. Some of these properties can be utilized in places other than the baby’s alimentary tract.
Breastmilk has been used effectively in babies’ eyes. It has been shown to treat conjunctivitis, and one study showed it helped prevent its occurrence. It also helps decrease the symptoms associated with a blocked tear duct.
Skin problems have responded to the application of human milk. Both diaper rash in the baby and perineal rash in the mother have been effectively treated with breastmilk. Many mothers know it can be applied to sore nipples to speed the healing. In addition, one small study even showed it was as useful as hydrocortisone cream in treating atopic dermatitis.
Breastmilk can be applied to the umbilical cord to prevent infection in high risk areas of the world. It has also even been shown to hasten the detachment of the stump.
However, the most intriguing aspect of this paper is the use of breastmilk for other conditions. In 1995, it was discovered by lung cancer researchers that human milk actually killed malignant cells. Human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells (shortened to HAMLET) has been developed and put to work against bladder cancer, a certain type of skin cancer, and glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
To take poetic license and quote from Shakespeare’s play called “Hamlet”:
“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.”
The method continues to be worked out with further research. Who knows? Maybe lactating mothers can help us ghost certain cancers.
Dr. Brian Donnelly has a special interest in breastfeeding. He was the initial recipient of the Allegheny County Health Department’s Breastfeeding Advocacy Award. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and can perform the frenulotomy procedure for tongue-tied infants who have trouble nursing. Dr. Donnelly sees patients at the AHN Pediatrics Northland office.
source https://www.thepediablog.com/2023/02/21/swiss-army-milk/
Comments
Post a Comment