14 Alternative uses for breastmilk

Having recently shared the following information with a breastfeeding relative I thought maybe a few other mums out there could be doing with a reminder about the many uses of breastmilk beyond feeding a baby with it! And, with Christmas almost upon upon us, why not print it out and stick it on your fridge or add it to a breastfeeding mothers gift basket?

Breastmilk can be used to treat:

• Pink Eye/ Conjunctivitis - Drip a few drops of expressed breastmilk into the affected eyes. This often cures the condition within a very shot time and can sometimes mean antibiotic eye drops can be avoided. (Of course, seek advice from your gp if the eyes don't begin to clear up with a day or so.)

• Nappy Rash - Using a cotton pad soaked in expressed breastmilk, pat the affected area and allow to dry before replacing the baby's nappy.

Blocked Nose - If your baby has dried, hard mucus in his/ her nose it can make breastfeeding difficult as the baby's breathing is affected. Either drip one or two drops into the baby's nose from a little nasal dropper or from a cotton wool ball soaked in breastmilk. It is best to do this whilst the baby is feeding as he or she will inhale the milk. Only do one nostril at a time and don't put more than a drop or two of milk into the nostril or the baby will choke. After inhaling the breastmilk the baby often sneezes the softened and moistened mucus out and the nose should be clear again!

Spots - Dab a little breastmilk on your own spots and allow to dry before applying makeup. Best done at night after washing and drying your face/ body.

Cracked/ Sore Nipples - Breastfeeding mothers sometimes complain about sore or cracked nipples in the early days of breastfeeding. Very often this is caused by the baby being incorrectly positioned on the breast and once the position is corrected the problem no longer exists. However, in the meantime, after each breastfeed gently express a little breastmilk and smooth it around the sore area. Let it dry before replacing your nursing pad or bra. Doing this after every breastfeed is often an effective treatment and replaces the need for nipple creams!

Chapped Lips - If you are suffering from dry, chapped lips gently rub a little breastmilk on them several times a day and before too long your lips will be soft and luscious once again!

Read the rest of our alternative uses for breastmilk over on  BreastfeedingMums.com