Should I put breast milk in my ear?

[NSmomtobe]

That title ought to get some attention!

I have been dealing with an ear infection for about a week now. I saw the doctor on Tuesday, and he confirmed the infection but told me that it looked like it was already on its way out and I would probably recover without antibiotics, but he gave me a prescription "just in case." He checked it again on Thursday when I was there with DS (4-day fever, better now) and said it looked better, but was still infected and he said I could start taking the antibiotics since it hadn't cleared up on its own.

I don't really want to take the antibiotics. I know I should have posted here earlier, but I just kept hoping it would get better. This weekend it feels plugged up, and my hearing is affected. It doesn't really hurt though.

What should I do to get rid of this ear infection naturally? I have heard that breast milk has antibiotic properties and can be used to treat eye infections, ear infections, and diaper rash, as long as they are not yeast-based. So should I put breast milk in my ear? If so, how much and how?

[ManateeMama]

I would say do it! It wouldn't hurt to try and I think it would help.

When I use it for my daughter I express some into a cup and use an eye dropper. I would try that. I'm not sure how much, sorry!

Good Luck

[NSmomtobe]

I had been putting it off all day because I was scared to try, but your post gave me the confidence I needed. I used a medicine dropper and got DH to put 2-3 drops in. I thought it would feel gross/weird, but it felt great! It feels like it is helping my ear to drain. I will definitely do it again tomorrow. Maybe a few times even.

[NSmomtobe]

My ear is still blocked. I guess it's time for the antibiotics.

[mmhinton]

fwiw - when I was nursing, I put breastmilk in my boys' ears, nose or eyes (they each had a duct clogged - ds2 had to have his surgically opened). If I thought they were getting something or noticed their ears with more stuff than "typical" I'd just put a few drops in....Now, that doesn't mean they liked it They much preferred to have it in their mouth It did seem to help / work though.

[allnaturalmom]

Have you considered garlic oil?

[NSmomtobe]

I'm not actually sure what garlic oil is, but I have been eating a raw clove of garlic every day.