This is the first time I'm posting, but I've been reading LACTNET for almost a year now, and I'm so appreciative of all of the knowledge that I have been gaining from all of the wise people! I work for WIC, and I'm hoping to become an IBCLC in the future. I wanted to respond to Renee's post about her daughter's wanting of breastmilk for her eczema. I am currently 39 weeks pregnant (yeah, one more to go!), and I've developed a horrible pregnancy rash called PUPPS that is SUPER itchy and doesn't go away until after the birth!! I've tried all sorts of anti-itch creams, oatmeal, baking soda paste... anything I could find on-line and through prescriptions my doctor to help with it. Nothing seemed to help for more than an hour or two, except the strong antihistamine that didn't help much with itching but knocked me out enough to sleep for 2-3 hours. The rash started at 37 weeks, and by 38 weeks it seemed like I had tried everything. Since I had already been leaking I decided to try to pump my colostrum to put on it. Almost immediately the redness and itching started to go away and it gave the longest relief. At that time the rash covered my entire belly and hips. A couple of days after the trial of pumping, the rash had spread to my breasts, butt, and starting down my legs. I decided to stop the pumping as to not aggravate the rash on my breasts, and it was just too much surface area to cover... but it did help a lot while I did it!! (Sorry for going into so much detail... it's just SO annoying and tiring!) Mary Wachsmuth ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:47:23 -0400 From: Renee Beebe <[log in to unmask]> Subject: eczema and breastfeeding Another interesting note. Emily's favorite topical "ointment" for eczema Was breastmilk. It stopped the pain and itching on contact. I tried it on a whim one day and she continued to ask for it. Go figure! ****************** *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome