What can I use expired breast milk for?

Exploring the Uses of Expired Breast Milk
Breast milk, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is celebrated for its nutritional and immune-boosting properties. However, what happens when this precious resource reaches its expiration date? Rather than discarding it, there are several innovative and practical uses for expired breast milk that can benefit both you and your family.
1. Skin Care Solutions
One of the most popular uses for expired breast milk is in skincare. The natural properties of breast milk make it an excellent ingredient for homemade lotions and soaps. Many parents have found that creating a breast milk lotion can help moisturize dry or irritated skin, making it particularly beneficial for babies with eczema or diaper rash. Additionally, breast milk can be used in milk baths, which are known to soothe and hydrate the skin. These baths can help clear up skin irritations and provide a gentle moisturizing effect.
2. Healing Properties
Expired breast milk can also serve as a natural remedy for various ailments. It has been suggested that applying breast milk to minor wounds can help fight infection due to its antibacterial properties. This application can be particularly useful for treating blemishes, pink eye, and even cracked nipples. The healing benefits of breast milk make it a valuable resource for parents looking to care for their children naturally.
3. Creative Culinary Uses
While it may seem unconventional, some parents have found ways to incorporate expired breast milk into cooking. Although this is less common, there are recipes that suggest using breast milk in baked goods like pancakes or scones, allowing families to avoid waste while enjoying a unique twist on traditional recipes. However, it’s essential to ensure that the milk is still safe for consumption before using it in food.
4. Crafting and DIY Projects
For those who enjoy crafting, expired breast milk can be used in various DIY projects. From making soap to creating personalized lotions, the versatility of breast milk allows for creative expression while also being resourceful. This approach not only minimizes waste but also provides a way to cherish the memories associated with breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, expired breast milk can be repurposed in numerous ways that extend beyond its original intent. From skincare applications to potential culinary uses and creative projects, there are many opportunities to utilize this valuable resource. By exploring these options, parents can ensure that no drop of their “liquid gold” goes to waste, while also benefiting from its unique properties.

What can I make with old breast milk?

If the milk is expired, milk baths, soaps, salves, face creams, etc. are all great ways to not waste that liquid gold!

What should I do with my expired breastmilk?

Seal and Trash: Place expired milk in a sealed, leak-proof container or bag and dispose of it in the trash to prevent contamination.

What can extra breast milk be used for?

• Uses for Undrinkable Breast Milk.
• Draw a Milk Bath.
• Make Breast Milk Soap and Lotion.
• Turn It Into Breast Milk Jewelry.
• Uses for Extra Fresh or Frozen Breast Milk.
• Donate or Sell Your Extra Breast Milk.
• Make Breast Milk Popsicles.
• Make Baby Food.

Is expired breast milk good for plants?

Any type of milk, including fresh, expired, evaporated, and powdered, can be used in a garden as long as it’s diluted properly. Stick with reduced-fat (2 percent) or low-fat (1 percent) milk, rather than skim or whole options.

Can you use leftover breast milk for a bath?

Fill the tub with warm water and then add your breast milk.
You should add just enough to make the water a little cloudy. If you have more milk left over from expressing you can, of course, add a little more but be careful, your baby might smell a little milky if you use too much — so keep an eye (or nose) on that.

Can I put breastmilk in plants?

If you have a green thumb and like growing plants and veggies, you can try making fertilizer with your leftover breast milk. The proteins from breast milk help make the soil nitrogen-rich, making it a great food for your garden. Calcium from breast milk can also serve as an added nutrient boost for your soil too.

What should be done with any leftover breast milk?

Note: If your stash isn’t expired like mine, please consider donating any and all leftover milk to the HMBANA, which is a network of non-profit milk banks that focus on serving “vulnerable preterm and otherwise fragile infants who need human milk as medicine.”

What can I do with leftover breast milk that my baby doesn’t drink?

There isn’t any conclusive evidence on whether or not this is safe, but some experts (and lots of moms) say it’s okay to stick an unfinished bottle back in the fridge to reheat and reuse at the next feeding. (If baby doesn’t drink it all at the next feeding, toss it.)

What can I do with unwanted breast milk?

Note: If your stash isn’t expired like mine, please consider donating any and all leftover milk to the HMBANA, which is a network of non-profit milk banks that focus on serving “vulnerable preterm and otherwise fragile infants who need human milk as medicine.”

What can breast milk be used for in adults?

You can also use breast milk like an antibiotic ointment on superficial scrapes—although you should never apply it to open wounds or deep cuts. Breast milk can also reduce itchiness from bug bites or poison ivy. Some people even gargle with breast milk to help manage sore throat pain!