This article was written by Alaina Leimbach, Certified Lactiation Counselor, mom of 4, and employee of Milk + Honey!
**Obligatory Disclaimer: Nothing in this blog post should be considered medical advice. We are NOT medical professionals. Seriously, don’t take this as medical advice. Please seek medical attention if necessary.
We call it “liquid gold.” Our breastmilk has amazing properties to nourish our babies and provide everything they need at all the right times, changing and adapting to meet their nutritional and immunological needs as our baby grows.
Our breastmilk is amazing, but what else can it do?
The purpose of this blog is to share some additional uses for your breastmilk and in no way is intended to be medical advice. While there may be some data to support these claims, some lack conclusive studies, so we encourage you to make an informed decision and contact your physician if needed.
Breastmilk is loaded with antibodies, and just as it benefits your child’s immune system through consumption, it may also help with some of these conditions when used topically:
Diaper Rash- Breastmilk may soothe any irritation and prevent spreading.
Acne- Breastmilk contains lauric acid which may have a positive effect on fighting acne.
Cradle Cap- Particularly when using in a bath, breastmilk can help nourish and break up any scaly patches.
Cuts/scrapes- Because breastmilk has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, it may help prevent infection and facilitate healing in minor cuts and scrapes.
Eczema- Some research shows that when treating eczema, breastmilk was found to be equally as effective as hydrocortisone 1% ointment. (Please note, eczema may be linked to other health concerns such as food allergies so it may be beneficial to also consult a physician)
Bug bites/stings- As previously mentioned, breastmilk may have a similar effect on skin irritations as hydrocortisone cream. Applying breastmilk to a bug bite or sting may provide fast relief.
Cracked nipples- Allowing some milk to sit on your nipple and dry before covering may help promote healing. This can be beneficial if you have a newly teething baby that’s feeling extra “chompy” and got a bit too comfortable, or if you suffer from dry, chapped nipples. (Please note: some nipple conditions may be a sign of something more serious, such as thrush, improper latching, etc. that may need further evaluation. Contact a lactation professional for guidance.)
Clogged tear ducts- Applying warm breastmilk and massaging may help combat infection and promote healing.
Pink eye/bacterial eye infections/eye irritation- Breastmilk may be an excellent first line of treatment for eye infections, including pink eye, to combat any infection and promote healing.
Nasal congestion- Breastmilk may work in a similar fashion as saline drops/spray to thin the mucus. Also, because breastmilk provides the proper antibodies during illness, the use of breastmilk nasally may help introduce these antibodies in another manner.
Ear infection- Breastmilk may have an effect on bacteria in the outer ear. The warmth of the breastmilk in the ear may also help alleviate any discomfort of ear infections.
Umbilical cord separation- Application to the cord may speed up the separation process and reduce the risk of infection as well as facilitate healing.
Molluscum Contagiosum- Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that produces small wart like bumps. It can spread rapidly and is contagious. As a mom of 4 children that were infected with this, I tried nearly everything to get rid of it. There were times when a bump would get particularly “angry” looking. I would soak a round bandage with breastmilk and apply it to the bump for at least a day.
The bottom line when using your breastmilk for any type of ailment is that it is generally not going to harm you. It may or may not provide the results you seek, but it’s nice to know that as a breastfeeding mama you have several potential remedies on hand at any given moment. That’s a real superpower, right? You can read some even more amazing research regarding these remedies and information about cancer cells HERE.
If you’re feeling even more adventurous with your breastmilk, stay tuned for part 2 for some MORE random uses.
**Disclaimer again, in case you missed it the first time. Just covering our butts: Nothing in this blog post should be considered medical advice. We are NOT medical professionals.