Finding uses for breastmilk could be as simple as thinking of what ails you apply the liquid gold. Whether you have an excess of milk or some in your freezer nearing the 6 month mark, we’ve got
My third baby was in the NICU for 8 days and in that time I had to pump for her. I’m an over-supplier, so my supply came in fast and heavy and in a few days I was making 6 ounces a session. For a newborn.
Suffice to say, I have a freezer of milk.
Over 15 Unique Uses for Breastmilk
Since I don’t really have a need for bottle feeding, it’s rare I need to dip into that stash, so I’m forced to find uses for that milk. Thankfully, there are quite a bit of uses for breastmilk!
Diaper rash.
Studies show that breastmilk can be as effective as hydrocortisone in healing diaper rash! Skip the steroid and apply some breast milk directly to the clean skin before adding diaper cream.
Dry Skin.
It’s also been shown to aid eczema in place of hydrocortisone in the same way. After starting solids, my baby broke out with some eczema on her cheeks and using breast milk has really helped!
Teething.
Even if your baby isn’t on solids yet, breast milk ice pops can be given to soothe irritated gums. Place them into a mesh or silicone feeder (affiliate) for babies to prevent choking.
Baby Acne.
Some find it to clog pores, but I’ve always had success with it. Dot breast milk on any pimples your baby forms – again, the antibacterial properties fight the ick to clear skin quicker.
Cook with it!
Once your baby is on solids, think about adding milk to their food. I started this with my first who was MSPI so any recipes that used “normal” milk were out. I just subbed in breastmilk for him in things like smoothies and breast milk pancakes! Some nutrients won’t make it if you’re actually cooking but it still will keep some. Try breast milk oatmeal or baby chia pudding!
Blocked tear ducts.
My oldest and youngest both had crazy blocked tear ducts. Rubbing the duct and keeping it cleaned didn’t help. Instead, what cleared it up for my oldest was a few drops of breast milk a few times a day cleared it up in a few days! By the time my third came I knew the cure and started sooner. Turns out, doctors recommend it too!
Infections.
You’ll hear moms touting the benefits of breast milk on alllllll the things, but one of it’s best attribute is the antibacterial property. I’ve used it to aid the healing of pink eye in my kids, and I’ve seen doctors suggesting using it to help with ear infections!
Sunburn.
Since it’s a soothing liquid, breast milk is great for easing the discomfort and speeding the healing of sunburn. Try making a milk bath and soaking.
Clear a stuffy nose.
The same way you would with saline, squirt some expressed milk with a syringe into their nose to loosen up gunk and introduce the antibodies and antiinfection properties before using an aspirator. Bonus: babies might not balk as much as they would with the salty saline spray.
More on sick kiddos:
- What to do When You’re Sick with Kids
- What to Know About Breastfeeding a Sick Baby
- How to Keep Baby From Getting Sick When Mom Is
Cuts and Scapes.
Mother’s milk can keep infection at bay and speed healing. A study also showed that when used on the umbilical stump, there was quicker separation and healing at the site, making it one of my favorite uses for breastmilk.
Bug Bites.
Breast milk can sooth itchy bumps while the antibacterial properties can help heal the bites. I’ve also heard of it easing the itch of chicken pox!
Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac.
Really, breast milk helps with most skin irritants. Soak a cotton ball and dab it on clean, dry skin
Sore nipples.
Such an obvious use for breastmilk – After a feed, express some milk and rub onto sore, chapped nipples and allow to air dry. The antibiotic properties of the milk can allow for quicker healing and less pain.
Makeup Remover.
Many moms tout the magical liquid of breastmilk as being a strong yet gentle makeup remover that can cut through even waterproof mascara,
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