Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » How to mix breastmilk and coconut oil?

How to mix breastmilk and coconut oil?

Mixing Breastmilk and Coconut Oil: A Guide for New Moms
In the world of parenting, especially for breastfeeding mothers, the quest for optimal nutrition and comfort is paramount. One intriguing combination that has gained attention is the mixing of breastmilk with coconut oil. This blend not only offers potential nutritional benefits but also serves practical purposes for both mother and baby.
Understanding the Benefits
Coconut oil is celebrated for its myriad health benefits, including its antimicrobial properties and healthy fats. When combined with breastmilk, it can enhance the nutritional profile of the milk, potentially making it richer in essential fatty acids. This is particularly beneficial for babies who may need extra calories or fat for growth and development. Additionally, coconut oil can be soothing for mothers, especially when used as a nipple cream during breastfeeding.
How to Mix Breastmilk and Coconut Oil
1. Choose the Right Coconut Oil: Opt for organic, virgin coconut oil to ensure you are using a high-quality product. This type retains most of its beneficial properties and is free from harmful additives.
2. Preparation: Start by warming the coconut oil slightly. This can be done by placing the jar in warm water or rubbing it between your hands. The goal is to make it liquid, as solid coconut oil can be difficult to mix.
3. Mixing: In a clean bowl or container, combine the desired amount of breastmilk with the warmed coconut oil. A common ratio is about one teaspoon of coconut oil for every ounce of breastmilk, but this can be adjusted based on personal preference and the baby’s needs.
4. Stir Thoroughly: Use a clean spoon to stir the mixture until the coconut oil is fully incorporated into the breastmilk. This ensures an even distribution of nutrients and maintains the consistency of the milk.
5. Storage: If you’re not using the mixture immediately, store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to use the mixture within 24 hours to ensure freshness and safety.
Practical Uses
This mixture can be used in various ways. Some mothers find it helpful to use it as a supplement in bottles, especially for babies who may need extra nutrition. Others may apply it topically to soothe dry skin or diaper rashes, leveraging the moisturizing properties of coconut oil.
Safety Considerations
While coconut oil is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers and their babies, it’s essential to monitor for any allergic reactions. Introducing new foods or substances should always be done cautiously. Consulting with a pediatrician before making significant changes to a baby’s diet is advisable.
Conclusion
Mixing breastmilk with coconut oil can be a beneficial practice for breastfeeding mothers looking to enhance their milk’s nutritional value and provide soothing relief for themselves and their babies. With careful preparation and consideration, this combination can be a valuable addition to the breastfeeding journey.

Do I need to wipe off coconut oil before breastfeeding?

I slathered this on daily after every feed and pump. You can take a nursing pad, smear a giant chunk of coconut oil on it, and it feels so cool and soothing on your nipples. Plus it’s much cheaper than any other product. And it’s safe for ingestion, so you don’t have to wash it off before pumping or nursing.

How do you use coconut oil for pumping?

Just like a baby’s mouth is not dry on the breast, your pump parts shouldn’t be dry when you are pumping. Apply a bit of coconut oil to the outside of your nipples or the inside tunnel of the pump flange. You’ll find it a lot more comfortable!

How to use coconut oil and breast milk for cradle cap?

Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your baby’s scalp and gently massage the oil in for about a minute or so. (Just be careful around their soft spot). Let the oil soak in for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, return your baby to the bath and wash the oil out of their hair with a gentle baby shampoo.

How to increase fat in breast milk?

Milk fat may be more effectively increased through natural means (i.e. longer & more frequent feeding, massage, breast compression, expressing foremilk before nursing) than by changing mom’s diet.

Can newborns digest coconut oil?

ANSWER: YES. The best way to start giving your baby the benefits of coconut oil is to consume it yourself while you’re still breastfeeding. Once they’re past that phase you can start to use it in their foods when they move on to solids. It’s a great alternative to almost every oil out there.

What is the coconut milk route?

It’s the greatest down hill run of them all – about eight thousand miles if you’re going to Australia, a little less to New Zealand. If you say the route fast, it doesn’t sound far or complicated – Galapagos, the Marquesas, the Tuomotus, French Polynesia, Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu to Australia.

What is the technique of coconut oil and milk?

The coconut milk is first pressed out from the wet coconut meat and the coconut oil is then extracted from the coconut milk by separating the water from it. Methods used to separate the water from the coconut milk includes boiling, fermentation, refrigeration, centrifugation and enzymatic separations.

Does coconut oil affect breast milk?

VCO consumption by breast feeding mothers found to be beneficial on the growth of baby, and the lauric acid content of breast milk increase significantly.

How long can I leave coconut oil on baby head?

15 minutes
Put a tiny amount (about the size of a nickel) of a pure oil like organic olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil in your hand and then rub it gently onto your baby’s scalp. Leave the oil on for 15 minutes or so. Comb out any flakes and then wash the scalp with a mild baby shampoo.

Is coconut oil safe for breast pump?

Using lanolin or a food-grade oil such as coconut or olive oil while pumping may help the nipple to glide in the flange more easily and prevent discomfort. Moms should also avoid turning the suction up too high. If your pump’s suction is too high, it can cause the milk ducts to collapse and decrease your output.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment