Seven Ways to Use Your Breastmilk (Other than Feeding Baby)
June 23, 2022By now, most of us are aware of the super powerful nourishing and immunity-boosting properties of breastmilk. Breastmilk gives babies everything they need to grow healthy and strong from infancy through toddlerhood. But did you know there are many more ways to use breastmilk other than just for feeding?
Yes, you read that right. This multipurpose liquid gold has been shown helpful in treating everything from skin irritations and teething pain to the common cold. If you are a breastfeeding momma or plan to be, here are seven amazing ways you can use your milk!
Before trying any of these natural remedies always consult a doctor or consultant at a breastfeeding clinic in Richmond.
Taking Care of Blocked Tear Ducts
Goopy crusty eyes are super common for new babies and often, the cause is a blocked tear duct. While problems with blocked ducts aren’t usually causing alarm and will typically resolve on their own, you can help speed up recovery by keeping the area clean and using a few drops of expressed breastmilk to treat the affected eye at the source.
Helping out With Ear Infections
No one likes to see their baby suffering from the pain of an ear infection. If symptoms are mild, doctors will usually recommend letting the infection run its course. In the meantime, you can use an old midwife trick of using breastmilk to help ease the pain. Breastmilk naturally contains antibodies that can fight the infection and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the ache.
Comforting a Teething Baby
Teething is a challenging time for babies and parents alike and luckily there are a few simple tricks available to help everyone through the worst of it. Cold-not frozen teethers are a tool most veteran moms swear by but you can also use your breastmilk to make frozen “mumsicles” that are fun and free. Use either a baby-size popsicle mold or an ice cube tray and pacifier to make these teething treasures. Pop them in the freezer and they are good to use for up to 6 months.
Soothing Sore Nipples
In the early days of breastfeeding, sore nipples were almost a given. One trick that breastfeeding clinics in Richmond often suggest to help soothe the pain, prevent infection, and speed up healing is rubbing a little hand expressed milk on your nipples after feeding and letting the chest air dry.
Treating Skin Irritations
With such sensitive skin, babies are prone to various skin rashes and irritations. While a hydrocortisone cream is often recommended to treat things like diaper rash and eczema, breastmilk is just as effective at treating these types of skin irritations. Simply pat the affected area with a bit of breastmilk and allow it to try dry. If treating the diaper area, follow up with a barrier cream.
Clearing Up Stuffy Noses
It is highly improbable that you will get through the infant and toddler years without having to suck boogers out of your baby’s nose. Most nasal aspirators call for a few drops of sterile saline solutions to be placed in the nose first to help break up the snot. However, few babies enjoy the taste of saltwater. An old trick used by lactation experts is to use breastmilk instead. Not only will the baby recognize and appreciate the taste, but breastmilk also has infection-fighting antibodies and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bonus Power- Extra Immunity to Help with Colds
We’ve already covered that breastmilk naturally contains important immunity-boosting antibodies. Research suggests that breastmilk changes when the mother or baby is sick, producing antibodies targeted to fight that infection. While you will not be able to avoid your baby from getting sick, breastmilk might help reduce the severity and duration of a cold.