What Else Can Breast Milk Do? 8 Unexpected Uses

If you're anything like me, you're trying your best to do everything for your little one. Maybe you're still breastfeeding and wondering what to do with those few drops of leftover milk, or maybe you've stopped breastfeeding and you're wondering what to do with the last of your freezer stash.

We all know about all the benefits of breast milk for our baby’s health and development. It's nature's perfect food and has so many nutrients and antibodies. But did you know that breast milk has many other uses, too? What are these alternative uses, you may ask? Let's have a look at "liquid gold" and some of the ways we can use it, other than for feeding.

Breast Milk for Skin Healing

Breast milk isn't just baby food. It also has healing powers! The antibodies and antimicrobial properties found in breast milk make it an amazing remedy for skin issues. Does your baby (or you) have a scrape, or rash (especially a nappy rash)? Does your baby have a bit of cradle cap? Applying breast milk can help soothe irritation, promote speedy healing, and protect the skin against infections. Breast milk has plenty of antibodies and immune-protecting functions, which is what makes it such a great option for any skin issues (including your own). It has also been found to reduce infection and help with umbilical cord stump healing.

Breast Milk for Cracked Nipples

Yep, breast milk can help heal the very thing that caused the cracks in the first place. It’s naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and studies have shown it works just as well as lanolin for soothing sore, cracked nipples. Simply express a few drops after a feed and let it air-dry on the skin.

Breast Milk for Moisturizing

Did you know that breast milk helps to moisturize skin? You can add a bit of breast milk to your or your baby’s bath. It’s the perfect solution for the small amount of milk that’s left in the bottle at the end of a feed. Not only does putting the milk in the bath create a nourishing bath, but the vitamins and moisturizing properties in breast milk can leave your/baby’s skin feeling soft and smooth.

Breast Milk Hair Masks

Breast milk is packed with proteins and nutrients that can help strengthen, condition, and nourish your hair. Using breast milk as a hair mask will leave it glossy and healthy. You massage breast milk into your hair and scalp, leave it on for a bit, and then rinse for an incredible hair mask.

Breast Milk for Eye and Ear Infections

Anyone who has had a newborn knows about goopy eyes, and anyone who has a toddler knows about ear infections. Because breast milk has antimicrobial properties, it is safe and effective in treating minor eye or ear infections in both babies and adults. A drop or two of breast milk applied to the affected eye or ear can help clear an infection and promote healing.

Breast Milk for Immunity Boosting in Sick Kids

Some moms add a bit of expressed breast milk into soups, purées, or porridge when their toddlers are under the weather. The antibodies and immune factors in breast milk don’t just help babies; older kids can still benefit, especially if they’re struggling to eat much else.

Breast Milk Ice Lollies for Teething

Teething is tough on both us parents and our little ones, but breast milk ice lollies can make it a bit easier for you and your little one. Pour breast milk into ice cube trays, add some pureed fruit for flavor if you’d like, and freeze. These homemade ice lollies not only provide relief for sore gums but also give your baby a dose of immune-boosting antibodies to help them fight off pesky bugs.

Breast Milk Non-Toxic Paint

Let your little one’s imagination run wild with breast milk paint! Using breast milk as paint is a safe and natural alternative to traditional paints, which works so well for fun and safe art projects. Whether it's finger painting, handprint art, or creating a masterpiece on canvas, breast milk paint adds an extra touch of uniqueness to your child's creations, and the options for art are endless.

Breast Milk Finger Paint Recipe

You’ll need:

• 1 cup cornflour (aka cornstarch)

• 1 cup cooled, expressed breast milk (or more as needed)

• Natural food colouring (optional, baby-safe brands only)

• Small containers or a muffin tray for colours

How to make it:

1. Start with the base: In a small saucepan, mix the cornflour with a bit of breast milk to make a smooth paste (like you would with gravy to avoid lumps).

   
   

2. Add the remaining milk: Slowly stir in the rest of the breast milk over low heat. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly into a smooth, creamy texture.

   
   

3. Cool it down: Remove from the heat and let it cool completely. It should be a thick but spreadable consistency.

   
   

4. Add colour (optional): Divide into smaller containers and mix in a drop or two of food colouring if you’d like to make different shades.

So there you have it, some genuinely surprising ways to use breast milk beyond feeding time. Whether it's soothing skin, unclogging a tiny tear duct, or making baby-safe finger paint, breast milk continues to prove that it’s more than just food. It’s a multitasking marvel of motherhood.

Tried one of these? Got a breast milk trick passed down from your gran? We’d love to hear your stories or hacks in the comments below — because sharing is how we all learn (and occasionally say, “Wait, you can do what with breast milk?!”).

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Here's to celebrating the wonders of "liquid gold" and the incredible journey of motherhood. One drop at a time. 🌟💧

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