20 Surprising Uses For Breast Milk Beyond Feeding Your Baby

Breast milk is not only a source of nourishment for babies, but it also has various other uses. It can be used to treat baby acne and eczema, as well as soothe a sore throat. In fact, breast milk has been found to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a natural remedy for a range of ailments. So, if you have some extra breast milk, don’t hesitate to try using it for these unexpected benefits.

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Here are just some of the ways you can use breast milk:

Eye Infections, Blocked Tear Ducts And Pink Eye

Breast milk has been used as a natural remedy for eye infections for centuries. The antibodies and nutrients found in breast milk are believed to help soothe irritations, clear up infections, and even treat pink eye. However, it is important to note that breast milk should never be directly applied to the eye. Instead, a small amount of breast milk can be applied to a clean cotton ball or pad and gently wiped over the affected area 2 to 4 times a day.

Ear Infections

Breast milk has been found to be an effective remedy for ear infections in infants and young children. This is because breast milk contains antibodies that can help fight off infections. To use breast milk as a treatment, simply place three to four drops at the entrance of the ear canal, not directly into it. This can provide quick relief and help avoid the need for antibiotics. It’s important to note that breast milk should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment if the infection is severe or persistent.

Stuffy Nose

Breast milk has been known to have many benefits for babies, including helping with a stuffy nose. Instead of using saline drops, some parents have found success in putting a small amount of breast milk directly into their baby’s nose while feeding. As the baby sits up after eating, the milk can help soften and loosen any mucus, making it easier for it to slide out. It’s important to be careful and gentle when administering the breast milk to avoid any discomfort for the baby. This is a great natural alternative to a saline spray.

Sore Throat

Breast milk is not just beneficial for babies, it can also provide relief for sore throat symptoms in people of all ages. The antibodies and coating properties found in human milk have been shown to be effective in soothing sore throats. To use it as a remedy, simply give the affected person a few spoons of breast milk to swallow.

Eczema

Breast milk is known for its protective properties against infections, and it can also help soothe and alleviate eczema and other skin rashes in babies. Simply apply a few drops of breast milk on a cotton ball and gently dab it onto the affected area. While mild cases of eczema may improve on their own, more severe cases may require ongoing care and medical attention. Breast milk can be a natural and effective remedy to help ease your baby’s discomfort.

Colds and Flu

Breast milk is not only a source of nutrition for your baby, but it also has protective properties that can help prevent colds and flu. While it may not completely eliminate the risk of your baby getting sick, breast milk contains antibacterial and antiviral elements that can lower the chances of your baby contracting colds, flu, ear and respiratory tract infections, and sickness and diarrhoea. Additionally, breastfed babies tend to recover faster from illnesses.

Immune Booster

Breast milk is a powerful tool in boosting a baby’s immune system. The first milk that comes out of a mother’s breasts after birth, called colostrum, contains high amounts of antibodies that can fight infection. But even as a mother continues to nurse, there are still antibodies present in her breast milk that can provide protection from infectious illnesses she has had in the past, as well as those she may encounter while breastfeeding. This means that breast milk can give babies a head start in preventing and fighting infections, providing them with a strong foundation for a healthy life.

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap, a common skin condition in babies, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp. Some mothers have discovered that applying breast milk to their baby’s scalp can help alleviate the symptoms. Breast milk contains natural antibodies and nutrients that can help soothe and heal the affected area.

Diaper Rash

Breast milk has been found to have antibacterial properties, making it an effective treatment for nappy rash when applied topically. Studies have shown that using breast milk as a natural remedy can help soothe and heal the affected area.

Baby Acne

Breast milk has been found to have antimicrobial properties, which means it can potentially reduce or eliminate certain types of bacteria. Some parents have found success in using breast milk to treat their baby’s acne, as the milk can help kill the bacteria and impurities that clog pores and cause inflammation. While it may seem unconventional, using breast milk as a natural remedy for baby acne is a safe and affordable option for parents to consider.

Warts

Researchers in Sweden have discovered that a compound found in breast milk, known as HAMLET, has the ability to destroy skin warts caused by the human papilloma virus. This discovery has raised hopes that HAMLET could also be effective in treating other diseases caused by the same virus, such as cervical cancer. The compound has been found to kill virally infected cells in warts that are resistant to traditional treatments when applied to the skin. This breakthrough could potentially lead to new treatments for a variety of diseases caused by the human papilloma virus.

Using breast milk to treat warts is a natural remedy that has been passed down for generations. Soak a cotton ball in breast milk and apply it to the wart twice a day. Leave it on for a few minutes until the milk dries up. With consistent use, the wart should eventually dry up and fall off.

Cracked Lips

Breast milk has natural healing properties that make it a great remedy for chapped lips. To use it, simply express a few drops of milk onto your finger and apply it to your lips. Alternatively, you can apply the milk directly from your breast onto your lips. Either way, the milk’s moisturising and nourishing properties will help soothe and heal your chapped lips.

Treating Sore Nipples

Breast milk contains antibodies that fight infection as well as natural skin softener, which can help heal nipples and keep them healthy. Applying breast milk will heal them faster than nipple cream and prevent them cracking. Allow some breast milk to dry on your nipples after feeding your baby.

Insect Bites

Breast milk can also be used to soothe insect bites. The anti-inflammatory properties of breast milk can help reduce swelling and itching caused by mosquito bites, bee stings, and other insect bites. So next time you’re out camping with your little one, don’t forget to pack some breast milk for those pesky bug bites. Rub a small amount onto the skin to alleviate itching.

Dry Skin

Breast milk has natural moisturising properties that can benefit dry skin. In fact, breast milk has been found to be a powerful healing agent for various skin issues and minor wounds. You can even make your own homemade lotion using beeswax, a few ounces of extra breast milk, and some essential oils for added fragrance. Simply massage the lotion onto your baby’s skin before bedtime or after their bath for a soothing and nourishing effect.

Skin Cleanser

Breast milk has been found to have natural cleansing properties for the skin. To use it as a cleanser, simply take some milk out of the fridge and apply it to your face and chest. Allow it to soak in for about 5 minutes before gently rubbing it in a circular motion with warm water. Rinse off the milk and enjoy the soft and nourished feeling of your skin.

Disinfectant

Breast milk has been found to have numerous benefits, including being sterile, antiseptic, and antibacterial. In addition, it has healing properties and does not cause a stinging sensation when applied to small open wounds. These qualities make it a great natural option for disinfecting wounds.

Make-up Remover

Believe it or not, breast milk can be used as a natural and gentle makeup remover. Its antibacterial properties make it effective at removing makeup while also keeping your skin clear. To use it, simply apply it as a cold cream to your face or use a cotton pad to wipe away your makeup. It’s a natural and affordable alternative to traditional makeup removers.

Breast Milk Popsicles For Teething

Breast milk is a wonderful source of nutrition for babies, and it can also be used to soothe teething pain. One creative way to use breast milk is to make breast milk popsicles! If your baby is already eating solid foods, you can even add some fruits and veggies to the mix before freezing. However, it’s important to only include ingredients that your baby has already tried and to blend everything until it’s completely smooth. This will help prevent any choking hazards from large chunks of frozen fruit or veggies.

Wrinkles And Stretch Marks

Breast milk, specifically the colostrum produced in the first few days after birth, is believed to have anti-aging properties that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks. Instead of spending a fortune on expensive anti-ageing products, simply apply a small amount of frozen breast milk to problem areas over time to see results. It’s an easy and natural solution for those looking to improve their skin’s appearance.

There are many uses for breast milk, so why not express some breast milk and store it just in case you need it for anything!