Breast milk isn’t just for feeding your baby. It’s like a magic potion that can do so much more. Discover some cool and surprising ways you can use breast milk, from helping baby’s skin problems to ointments, and even helping with your own skin care.
↓ See the uses of unexpired breast milk
↓ See the uses of expired breast milk
Breastmilk is a powerhouse for your baby’s health, offering unmatched nutrition and immune support. It’s packed with essential nutrients and antibodies, playing a crucial role in building a robust immune system and fostering optimal development.
Breastfeeding also brings a number of health benefits for your little one, including reduced risks of respiratory illnesses, ear infections, diarrhea, SIDS, obesity, and diabetes. It also significantly enhances gastrointestinal and cognitive function while aiding in stress reduction.
This is only part of the reason breastmilk is the best source for nurturing your baby and promoting their overall well-being.
Blog post: The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby
You also benefit from faster recovery after delivery, reduced stress response, possible weight loss, and reduced cancer risk. Saving time and money is another huge plus!
Blog post: The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom
Read all the “Benefits of Breastfeeding” blog posts we have.
It also plays a vital role in milk banks, where donated milk supports babies in need, particularly preemies and those with medical challenges.
Before we jump into some of the alternative or less-known breastmilk that we have discovered let’s quickly review the CDC & AAP recommendations:
A quick refresher on safe breastmilk storage
Here’s a simplified summary of the CDC and AAP guidelines for breastmilk storage:
- Room Temperature: Up to 4 hours.
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Best used within 6 months, acceptable up to 12 months.
- Thawed Milk: Use within 24 hours in the fridge, or 1–2 hours at room temperature.
- Leftover from Feeding: Use within 2 hours.
These guidelines offer a safe approach to storing and using breastmilk. For more details, you can refer to the CDC and AAP websites.
Non-expired Breastmilk Uses
There are also less conventional ways breastmilk can be used. You’ll discover that its versatility is almost as remarkable as its nutritional profile.
We’ve collected ideas from across our team and ideas from other mamas who swear by them.
| Use of Unexpired Breastmilk | Description | Source(s)* |
|---|---|---|
| Umbilical Cord Care | Accelerates healing and prevents infection in the umbilical cord area. | NCBI |
| Skin Problems (Eczema, Diaper Dermatitis) | Effective in reducing symptoms of eczema and diaper dermatitis. | NCBI, The Bump, Mother & Baby |
| Eye Problems (Conjunctivitis) | Used in treating conjunctivitis and other eye infections. | NCBI, Medela, Mother & Baby |
| Clear Your Baby’s Stuffy Nose | Used similar to a saline to break up mucus. | KeepsakeMom |
| Ear Infection Treatment | Helps in the treatment of ear infections. | Medela, Mother & Baby |
| Pink Eye and Sty Treatment | Effective against pink eye and sties. | Medela, Mother & Baby |
| Nipple Problems | Soothes and heals sore, cracked nipples for breastfeeding mothers. | NCBI, The Bump |
| Sore Throat Soother | Can be used to relieve symptoms of a sore throat. | Mother & Baby |
| Sunburn Relief | Soothes and aids in the healing of sunburn. | Mother & Baby |
| Chicken Pox Itch Relief | Alleviates itching from chicken pox. | Mother & Baby |
| Facial Treatment for Acne | Used for treating acne and other skin conditions. | Mother & Baby |
| Diluting High Lipase Milk | Mixing with fresh milk for better taste | My Pure Delivery |
How many of these have you tried?
Do you have others we should add ?
Expired Breastmilk Uses
Have you ever had milk sit out for too long? Maybe your baby didn’t drink the whole bottle. Or maybe it’s been left out too long to offer it again? Maybe you have lipase milk that your baby refuses to drink after it’s been thawed?
There are so many ways you can use breastmilk beyond feeding your baby, so don’t throw your milk down the drain.
DON’T DUMP IT OUT!
We’ve got some great tips to avoid any lost milk…even if it’s expired.
| Use of Expired Breastmilk | Description | Source(s)* |
|---|---|---|
| Diaper Rash Treatment | Soothes and heals diaper rash. | My Pure Delivery |
| Disinfectant for Cuts and Scratches | Natural antiseptic properties help in healing minor wounds. | Mother & Baby, My Pure Delivery |
| Cradle Cap Treatment | Effective in treating cradle cap in infants. | Mother & Baby, My Pure Delivery |
| Milk Baths | Used for general skin benefits, especially for sensitive skin. | My Pure Delivery |
| Breastmilk Lotion | Homemade lotion for skin conditions like eczema and diaper rash. | My Pure Delivery |
| First Aid Syringes | Applied for spot treatment of minor ailments. | My Pure Delivery |
| Breastmilk Soap | Crafted for gentle skin care and treatment of skin irritations. | My Pure Delivery, KeepsakeMom |
| Breastmilk Jewelry | Custom jewelry made from breastmilk | KeepsakeMom |
How many of these have you tried?
Do you have other uses we should add?
Are you surprised, amazed, incredulous; or are you itching to go try them all?
Breastmilk is pretty amazing stuff that can fight bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other diseases, as well as decrease inflammation. Both inside the body and out. If you give these ideas a try for yourself, let us know the result.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general purposes and should not be considered medical advice. The breastmilk uses discussed here are based on various sources and may not be universally effective. Individual results can vary, and they are not guaranteed to treat specific conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical concerns or conditions affecting you or your child. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.
So, what do you think? Awesome, right? Breastmilk is truly amazing, not just for feeding your baby, but for so many other things too. We hope you found these tips helpful and maybe even a bit surprising. If you try any of them, we’d love to hear how it goes. And if you’ve discovered other neat ways to use breastmilk, please share with us. Remember, it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor if you’re unsure about anything. Thanks for joining us, and keep being amazing, mamas!
Sources*
- “6 Creative Uses of Breast Milk as a Home Remedy” – The Bump
- “Interesting Breast Milk Uses and Home Remedies” – Verywell Family
- “How To Use Expired Or Undrinkable Breast Milk” – My Pure Delivery
- “Creativity with Extra Breast Milk: Using a Surplus” – Medela
- “Breast Milk Uses | Other Uses for Breast Milk” – Keepsake Mom
- “Human Milk: Composition and Health Benefits” – NCBI
- “Other Ways To Use Breast Milk To Benefit Baby” – Medela
- “12 amazing uses for breast milk (aside from breastfeeding)” – Mother & Baby
- “The Story Behind How to Make Breastmilk Jewelry” – KeepsakeMom
