National breast feeding month is finally upon us! I love
this month because it raises so much awareness and allows those who chose to
breastfeed the opportunity to be recognized. Many of you know that I am working on becoming
a board certified lactation consultant because I truly believe in the benefits
of breast milk and I want to educate moms on the benefits of it to their babies
and to themselves as well. Many people
call breast milk “liquid gold”, I call it a precious commodity, and after
nursing my oldest son for a year my mom dubbed it “mama moo!” Not
only does breast milk provide your child with nourishment but provides countless
other uses. So, in honor of this monthI
am going to offer some non-traditional ways to use breast milk.
1) Conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye)- Dip a cotton
ball into some breast milk and rub on the affected eye, 2-4 times daily. To prevent it from spreading to the other eye
it can also be used on the non-affected eye.
2) Cuts (minor cuts only)- Pour a small amount of the breast
milk on small cuts or wounds and then cover with a band aid or gauze. Use in lieu of antibiotic ointments or
washes.
3) Burns (minor burns only)- Pour a small amount on the
burn, several times a day. Great for
sunburns!
4) Psoriasis- This may sound weird but it has been said that
breast milk can help tame psoriasis. I
can confirm that this is true. My
mother-in-law has severe psoriasis and uses left over breast milk that I have
frozen. Her body is 90% covered in
psoriasis, and so she just uses it on the more severe and inflamed parts. She dips a cotton ball in it and dabs it on
several patches after her shower every morning.
It helps the itch and the redness to go away.
5) Eczema- Just like psoriasis breast milk can also help
with eczema. Both of my boys have
eczema, my youngest sons is more severe (mainly on his legs) and so every night
before bed I rub his legs down with a cotton ball that has been dipped in
breast milk.
6) Colds/Illness- Breast milk contains antibodies from the
mother and so I still give my youngest son breast milk when he is ill. It helps them fight off colds, the flu,
stomach bugs…you name it and it will help!
Dab a bit under their nose before bed and it helps ward of a cold as
well.
7) Gastrointestinal Problems- Breast milk coats the stomach
while also providing antibodies to fight viruses that might be interrupting the
good flora in your gut. Even older children benefit from a drink of breast milk
to help fight off stomach bugs and ward of problems that taking antibiotics can
cause.
8) Diaper Rash or any other form of rash- Dab some on the
affected area at each diaper change or several times a day. Something to keep in mind- if the diaper rash
does not seem to go away or get better it could be yeast. Breast milk will only make the yeast
infection worse. When using breast milk on a diaper rash be sure to watch for
worsening rash and redness and discontinue use of the milk if it gets worse and
then seek care from your pediatrician.
Keep in mind that I am not a doctor and some cases are more
brutal than others. Please do not use
breast milk in exchange for a doctor prescribed medication and also seek help
for severe burns and cuts and scrapes. I hope that you find some of these uses
helpful in your future!
What have you used extra breast milk for?
