Gee, thanks for making me feel like a freak, doc.

11 replies

RappyNash · 19/07/2013 14:48

Took DS2 to the GP today as he's developed conjunctivitis. I mentioned that I'd been treating it with bm, but wanted to make sure we had some anti-bs in just in case it gets worse over the weekend.

He looked properly horrified and shocked, and said he never heard of such a thing. I said I'd been told by midwives to do it with both my boys when they were newborns as they had sticky eyes. As DS2 is only 4.5 months, this advice was fairly recent.

He was very sceptical and told me I should stop (he seemed to think it might be actively harmful ), although he did at least say that he would look it up later.

Meh.

OP posts:

PenelopeChipShop · 19/07/2013 14:53

I did this too and my ds was about 10 months when he had it. It did help a bit, though the meds were better! But I think this is one old wives tale that has something in it. I thought you were going to say the doc said there was no point in breastfeeding which seems to happen a lot. Last time I saw a HV she looked shocked that ds was still bf at 8 months. I came away feeling odd even though I know plenty of mums who also do! Docs are weird :-)

TaurielTest · 19/07/2013 14:56

I've used the same technique, tis sterile and full of antibodies and seems to help. I can understand a bit of an intial boggle if he's generally ignorant about such things, but he was wrong to make you feel that way...

Smartiepants79 · 19/07/2013 14:56

Breast milk is the best thing for baby eyes.
I use it all the time.

ladypop · 19/07/2013 22:10

Def been told to do this for both my babies. Also, when our DS1 had his tounge tie snipped, the midwife that did it suggested he went straight on the boob to feed due to the antibacterial qualities in the milk.....so must be something in it, surely!!?

FaddyPeony · 19/07/2013 22:43

Worked a charm on my baby's sticky eye. Also zapped zapped dp's scary wasp bites right before my eyes. I'm convinced!

itsaruddygame · 20/07/2013 07:07

I used it ion DS's eye after our practice nurse advised it and it worked. Breast milk has anti biotic properties ..... Get with the program GP!

KeepTheFaithBaby · 20/07/2013 07:13

My MW suggested it too! DD has had gunky eyes a couple of times. I clean with cooled, boiled water and finish with BM. It has enzymes that break down the conjunctivitis apparently.

Daisy17 · 20/07/2013 07:14

I was also advised to do this and it worked brilliantly! Also to express a little bit after every feed and rub it into my nipples to keep them from getting too sore. Also fab. He needs to read up!

runawaysimba · 20/07/2013 07:16

It was recommended by doctors and nurses when DD was in the NICU here... It's miracle stuff.

milkyjo · 21/07/2013 19:02

I got asked why I was taking folic acid at 8 weeks pregnant by a gp! To be fair he was from overseas but really if you're practicing in the UK you should know the NHS recommendations! There's something about doctors that somehow makes you completely doubt yourself when actually it is them who are ignorant. I went home from my consultation thinking 'am I wrong for taking folic acid?' When I knew perfectly well I was right, and on my 2nd child!

FrozenNorthPole · 21/07/2013 23:44

DH (GP) saw a baby with conjunctivitis last week and was really pleased his mum had been treating him with breastmilk. I read through your post worried that you'd been his patient, and that his enthusiasm had made you feel like a freak, but by the last paragraph I realised that unfortunately you saw an ignorant GP, not DH ... relief on my part, and also to assure you that informed GPs are well aware of the healing properties of BM

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