Breastmilk: The Gift Of Liquid Gold
Many of us know the saying “breast is best”, and for good reason. Breast milk has many benefits that formula simply cannot copy. The overall benefit of feeding babies breast milk instead of formula is well established. Breast milk gives babies a range of antibodies that boost their immune system, help their brain develop, and help them resist illness.
Photo by Nikolai Chernichenko on Unsplash.
Surprising benefits beyond feeding
But breast milk also has many benefits you might not expect. Some are quirky, some are useful, and some are even charming. Most mums who make breast milk have extra from time to time, and the uses below show that “liquid gold” is good for much more than feeding.
Breast milk is called “liquid gold” for good reason. It feeds the baby, soothes the skin, eases hurts, and can even be made into a keepsake.
Seven creative ways mums use breastmilk
Pain relief
The endorphins in breast milk can actually reduce pain felt by your child, so nurse away anytime your little one gets hurt. It gives comfort and mild pain relief at the same time.
For cuts & scrapes
Breast milk is actually a natural antiseptic. It can be used to soothe and promote healing of cuts and scrapes. If you are out and about and someone gets hurt, use breast milk to clean out the wound when you don’t have access to another cleansing agent.
Adult acne
Use a mixture of breast milk and coconut oil on a cotton ball to help clear up acne in teens and adults. The lauric acid in breast milk has antibacterial properties that target the bacteria implicated in acne breakouts.
Make-up removal
Use breast milk on a cotton ball or pad to remove make-up and soften skin. It works surprisingly well on stubborn mascara and waterproof make-up, and it is far gentler than shop-bought removers.
Coffee creamer
Breast milk is sweet, so you can add it to your coffee. It’s a small, fun way to use up extra supply, though we’d still suggest oat milk or dairy in most cases.
Keepsake necklaces
Remember your nursing years with a piece of jewellery. There are makers who turn breast milk into a plastic-like substance by hardening the casein content. It makes a meaningful keepsake of your feeding days.
Homemade soap
Milk is touted as an ideal ingredient for skin care products because it contains essential proteins, amino acids, and vitamin A, which nourish skin. Milk is also rich in lactic acid, which cleanses and softens. Soap made from breast milk is gentle enough for newborn skin and lovely for mum, too.