On Wednesday 19 May 2004 11:15 am, you wrote:
> I'd note that since there is a complete physical barrier (the ear drum) =
> between the ear canal and the site of the infection (the middle ear), =
> I'd be a bit dubious about breastmilk having the slightest effect. =

I wouldn't call it a complete physical barrier, though it's a pretty good one.
Have you ever had water in your ear after a swim, and found that it drained
out if you lay on one side for a while afterward?

The tympanic membrane is only .07mm thick on average (this comes from an
introductory audiology text by Frederick Martin).  In addition, the tissue is
under some tension so it can vibrate more effectively (imagine pouring water
through a bunched-up cloth versus one stretched tight).  It makes a lot of
sense to me that some breastmilk could pass into the middle ear space if
squirted into the ear canal of a sleeping child.

I tried it with my youngest on the couple of occasions when he got ear
infections.  Of course I can't say objectively what it accomplished compared
to other treatment options, but it seemed to make us both feel a little
better.

Jamie in Oak Park IL, speech pathologist and volunteer breastfeeding supporter

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