10 Things You Can Do with Breast Milk

Breast milk is often referred to as “liquid gold”, and it truly is! But, did you know, that you can use it for so many other things than just feeding your baby?

Just to make it very clear, I am not providing any medical advice here. I am putting together things that I have been told, and I have done with my three kids while breastfeeding. My breastfeeding journey still continues and has continued almost nonstop for 5 years.

Photo by lucas mendes on Unsplash

So, let’s jump right in!

1. Skincare!

Milk can be beneficial for both you and your baby. Especially if you have old milk in the freezer, do NOT throw it away! You can use it in water when bathing your baby — or use it yourself! It soothes irritated skin, it’s good for sensitive skin and can heal or ease rash or eczema.

My personal experience with skin is directly on my baby’s butt cheeks, where they had bad irritation due to dairy sensitivity. It wasn’t the only thing I used, but it took the redness away, and the child didn’t scratch much anymore.

I have also used it with diaper rash. And don’t forget those sore nipples when breastfeeding!

But the best advice for moms… Use it on your face! Trust me on this, it feels so good. And no, it doesn’t smell! It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin radiant! On top of it, I use my usual facial cream.

2. Runny nose!

Whenever my baby had a runny nose, I used a few drops of milk for their nostrils. In my experience, it did help.

3. Red eye!

A few times, my baby had a red eye. Most probably due to some dirt in their eye. Only one time I had to contact a pediatrician but the other times I used one or two drops of my milk a few times a day, and the next day the eye was fine.

4. Ear infection!

In the same way, you can also use it for an ear infection. Just place a few drops several times a day in the ear canal. I have combined it with a warm steamed onion wrap. Also for myself.

5. Frozen teether!

I didn’t have to do this myself because my babies (and I!) were lucky not to have pain while teething. However, several of my friends have done it. You freeze your milk just like popsicles and offer it to your baby or toddler. You can also freeze milk as cubes and use them for small burns or insect bites! That I have done and it has saved many moments!

6. Hair growth!

Especially for moms suffering from postpartum hair loss, but also to improve the baby’s hair growth or improving scalp health, you can use the milk by pouring it on the head or combining it with things like coconut oil to make a hair mask. I have used it on my baby’s head, but it’s on my to-do-list to use it on my own hair!

7. House plants!

If you have too much milk that has gone bad and need to use it instead of throwing it away, consider using it for your houseplants to give them some extra nutrients!

8. Make your own soap!

Especially for your child’s sensitive skin, you can use soap base for sensitive or baby skin and add your milk.

9. Cold remedy

If you child is sick or just getting sick, you can express milk by hand or pump milk for your kids if they are not breastfeeding anymore. The milk contains so many good things that it can help them to come over the flu much faster!

10. Baby Food!

When making your own baby food, but also when ready-made food needs more liquid, just add your milk. I usually add breast milk to porridge or to thawed purees. Just remember not to reheat milk, consume it right away, and not to leave it out of the fridge.

But overall, my best advice is to be proud of your milk, be creative and share your journey with your mom friends so they find new ways of using their milk too!

Photo by Nikolai Chernichenko on Unsplash