6 ways to use breastmilk after it has expired. Pic Credit: Canva
Breast milk is a lovely gift from nature that offers all of the vital nutrients that newborns require for growth and development. However, breastmilk might become sour or rot before the baby consumes it. This might occur as a result of poor storage, contamination, or simply because the baby does not finish the bottle.
Many mothers may feel terrible or wasteful if they toss away outdated breast milk, although this is unnecessary. Breastmilk that has expired can still be used for other purposes, particularly in the treatment of certain skin conditions. Here are six alternative uses for expired breast milk instead of throwing it away.
1) Use on cracked nipples
Breastfeeding can result in nipple soreness and cracking, which can be painful and increase the risk of infection. Applying a few drops of expired breast milk to the nipples after each feeding can help soothe and heal them. It contains antibodies, enzymes, and anti-inflammatory agents, which can help to reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and promote healing.
2) Using any nappy rash
Diaper rash is a common skin irritation that affects a large number of infants causing wetness, friction, allergies, or infections. Using a cotton ball or a clean cloth, apply expired breast milk to the affected area to treat diaper rash. It can be used to moisturise, soothe, and protect the skin from further irritation.
3) Applying to baby's acne
Baby acne is a harmless condition that occurs when the baby's skin reacts to the mother's hormones while pregnant or breastfeeding with some small red bumps on the face, neck, or chest as its typical symptoms. Applying expired breastmilk to the affected area with a cotton swab or a clean finger can help clear up baby acne. It can also help balance the pH of the skin, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection.
4) Using in baby's bath water
Expired breast milk can be added to the baby's bath water to make it more soothing and nourishing for the baby's skin. Breastmilk has the ability to hydrate, soften, and cleanse the skin while also preventing dryness and irritation. Simply mix a few ounces of expired breast milk into warm water before bathing the baby.
5) Applying to eczema patches
Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterised by skin redness, itching, and scaling. It can affect anyone, but babies and children are more likely to be affected. Applying expired breastmilk to the affected area with a cotton pad or a clean cloth can help relieve eczema symptoms. Breast milk can help to relieve itching, inflammation, and infection while also repairing the skin barrier.
6) Treating cradle cap
Cradle cap is a harmless condition that causes yellowish, scaly patches on newborns' and infants' scalps. Excess oil production or yeast overgrowth are the most common causes. Applying expired breast milk to the scalp with a soft brush or a clean cloth can help remove the cradle cap. Breast milk can help loosen and lift the scales while also moisturising and nourishing the scalp.
Breast milk that has expired is not a waste, but rather a valuable resource that can be used for a variety of purposes. Mothers can use it to treat various skin conditions for themselves and their babies instead of throwing it away. Using expired breast milk to heal and beautify the skin is a natural, safe, and effective method. If you have some expired breastmilk, don't throw it away; instead, try one of these six alternative uses.
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