The many amazing uses of breast milk!

If you thought of breast milk only in terms of babies' and children's nourishment, think again!

Breast milk can actually be used for a wide range of things... from as a remedy for diaper rash to make-up remover and many more!

For our full list of the surprising uses of breast milk, just click next...

1. Cradle cap

Cradle cap, also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is very common among newborn babies and really, is nothing to be worried about.

Medical experts say that cradle cap is harmless and usually goes away by a baby’s first birthday.

However, if seeing those not-so-attractive flakes of skin on your baby's scalp is distressing you, there's a pretty simple solution you can try: breastmilk!

All you need to do is massage a few drops of breast milk on your baby’s scalp until the flakes of skin are loose. Then simply brush off the dandruff using a soft brush.

2. Diaper rash

Because breast milk helps fight infection and soothes the skin, it's one of the cheapest and most effective ways of soothing and healing the angry red, irritating and painful diaper rash babies often get.

Consistent application will make baby’s skin smooth again.

Remember to let baby's skin air-dry after you apply the breast milk.

Mums, do keep in mind - if your baby's diaper rash is still bad after a day or two of using breast milk (or other remedies) as treatment, it's always best to show your little one to a doctor.

3. Chicken pox relief

Due to the soothing properties of breast milk, it can actually be used to bring about relief from the itchiness of chicken pox sores, should your little one contract this disease.

Breast milk will also help prevent any deep scarring. However if you think your child has chicken pox, please do consult a doctor immediately before trying out any home remedies.

4. Sinus, eye and ear infections

If you or your little one are suffering from sinusitis, try squirting two to three drops of breast milk in your nose!

It might sound gross but it can definitely bring relief.

Breast milk is not just good for you nasal passage though - it's also great to help clear up eye and ear infections.

A drop or two of this precious liquid is all you need!

Again, do keep in mind that if your baby has a condition such as pink eye, it's always best to check with a doctor before you commence home remedies.

5. Bites, scrapes and burns

Another great use of breast milk is to help relieve itchiness and pain on your skin if you have bites, scrapes and burns.

This is due to the antibacterial and healing properties of breast milk that promote healing of minor illnesses and injuries.

6. Make-up removal

Ran out of make-up remover? One of the many uses of breast milk is to remove oily and thick make-up on the skin.

It effectively cleans the skin without drying and helps prevent any skin irritation.

Breast milk also works well to moisturize the skin and make it smooth and soft.

7. Sore throat

Due to its antimicrobial properties as explained previously, breast milk is also a great way of soothing a sore throat.

If it's a baby who has the sore throat, then just let her breastfeed more.

All an older child or adult needs to do to get some relief from a sore throat is simply gargle with expressed breast milk frequently. That's it!

8. Puffy or red eyes

Do you have red, puffy eyes because your baby is waking you up for several hours at night?

No need for expensive eye creams. All you need is some breast milk!

Reduce the puffiness or redness of the eyes by placing breast milk soaked cotton balls on the eyes. This remedy is even more effective if you use chilled breast milk.

9. Chapped lips

Do away with lip balms and other medication whenever your lips are feeling dry and chapped.

Just rub fresh breast milk on the lips for instant relief!

10. Underarm odor

You might not believe it but one of the many uses of breast milk is to combat underarm odor!

Rubbing breast milk on the underarms everyday can keep the bad smell away.

Just rub it on to clean, dry skin and let it dry!

11. Milk bath

Have you got loads of frozen expressed breast milk (EBM) sitting in your freezer and you don't know what to do with it?

Why not use it do give your baby a refreshing milk bath?

All you need to do is thaw it and once it comes to room temperature, swirl it through hot water in your baby's bath till it's a comfortable temperature.

Your baby's skin will be... well... baby soft following this luxurious bath!

The many of uses breast milk doesn’t end here...

Breast milk can also be used as an ingredient in making different food items like ice -cream (breast milk ice- cream may not be appetizing for adults but it will be a hit among kids. It’s healthier too!); cupcakes (instead of using regular milk in cupcakes, use breast milk as a healthy alternative); and creamer (if you love coffee, you’ll love a creamier coffee blend. Just add a dash of fresh breast milk!).

Click here for some great recipes that use breast milk.

Are you surprised to learn about the many uses of breast milk? Try them one of these days to be a believer!

Written by

Karen Mira

Breastfeedingbreast milkuses of breast milk