11 Unusual Uses for Breast Milk

Breast milk provides the baby with invaluable nutrients. However, this food also has an antibacterial effect, soothes inflammation, and speeds up healing. Discover how you can use your excess milk.

1. Treating ear infections

Studies have proven that ear inflammation can be treated with breast milk. A few drops placed at the entrance of the ear canal, every few hours, will help combat ear infection in babies.

2. Conjunctivitis

Thanks to its antiseptic properties, milk is excellent for eye infections. If your baby has eye inflammation, use an eyedropper and place two or three drops of milk in each eye. Breast milk also effectively combats nasal discharge.

3. Itching and dry skin

Whatever the cause of itching and dry skin, applying breast milk will help hydrate the skin and relieve unpleasant symptoms and discomfort. Caution! If the baby's skin lesions do not regress, if they have a fever, or if their condition does not improve, it is imperative to consult a doctor.

4. Sore nipples

Breast milk relieves the symptoms of skin problems. It also accelerates wound healing. Simply lubricate the affected skin or wound systematically for the symptoms to diminish or even regress, and for the wound to heal faster. The lauric acid contained in milk is effective in treating acne, including infant acne.

5. Cradle cap, rashes, and other infant skin problems

A common problem for breastfeeding mothers, especially at the beginning, is nipple pain. Mothers deal with it in different ways, but sometimes the nipples don't have time to heal, which can be a reason to stop natural breastfeeding. Your milk is an effective way to treat sore nipples. When you have finished feeding, express a few drops by hand and spread them on the nipple.

6. Resilience (Immunity)

Breast milk strengthens immunity because it is rich in antibodies. Your baby receives them with the milk. However, you can also occasionally give a teaspoon of your milk to an older child, a preschooler, who is daily in contact with microbes through frequent contact with other children.

7. Rotavirus

Breast milk has the ability to fight rotavirus. If your little one has fallen ill, the best thing you can do to support treatment is to breastfeed them naturally.

8. Umbilical cord stump healing

Given that milk has an antiseptic effect, washing the healing navel with it speeds up this process and also prevents infections. Moreover, there is no risk of it being unpleasant for the child or irritating, as some other disinfectants are.

9. Burns and post-vaccination reaction

If the baby's skin is red after excessive sun exposure, swollen from an insect bite or after an injection, rub the lesion with milk. This will relieve swelling, itching, and redness.

10. Cow's milk substitute in dishes

If you have enough milk and you are at the complementary feeding stage, you can use your milk as a base for porridge or cereals. Especially if the baby is allergic to cow's milk protein.

11. Mom's beauty

Your milk will help you heal acne lesions and moisturize your skin. You can use it to remove makeup, as well as apply it to your lips, as it will act as a moisturizing balm.