What can you do with expired breast milk?

Understanding Expired Breast Milk
Breast milk, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is celebrated for its nutritional benefits for infants. However, there comes a time when this precious resource may expire, either due to being stored too long or not being consumed in time. Instead of discarding it, there are several innovative and practical uses for expired breast milk that can benefit both mothers and their families.
Creative Uses for Expired Breast Milk
1. Homemade Skin Care Products: One of the most popular uses for expired breast milk is in the creation of skin care products. The natural fats and sugars in breast milk make it an excellent ingredient for lotions and soaps. Many mothers have turned to making breast milk lotion or breast milk soap, which can be soothing for the skin and may help with conditions like eczema. The moisturizing properties of breast milk can provide a gentle alternative to commercial products.
2. Spot Treatments for Skin Issues: Breast milk is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can be beneficial for treating minor skin irritations. Mothers can use a syringe to apply expired breast milk directly to spots that need treatment, such as cuts, scrapes, or even acne. While the potency of these benefits may diminish over time, many still find it effective for minor skin concerns.
3. Bath Additive: Adding expired breast milk to a warm bath can create a nourishing soak for both mothers and babies. The milk can help moisturize the skin and provide a calming experience, making it a lovely addition to bath time.
4. Pet Care: Some pet owners have found that expired breast milk can be beneficial for their pets. It can be mixed into pet food or given as a treat, providing a source of nutrients. However, it’s essential to ensure that the milk is not spoiled to avoid any health issues for the pets.
5. Plant Fertilizer: For those with a green thumb, expired breast milk can be diluted with water and used as a fertilizer for plants. The nutrients in breast milk can promote healthy growth, making it a natural option for nurturing plants.
Important Considerations
While these uses can be beneficial, it’s crucial to assess the quality of the breast milk before repurposing it. If the milk smells sour or has an off appearance, it’s best to discard it to avoid any health risks. Additionally, the longer breast milk has been frozen, the less effective its beneficial properties may become, so it’s advisable to use it sooner rather than later.
In conclusion, expired breast milk doesn’t have to go to waste. With a little creativity, mothers can transform what might seem like a loss into valuable resources for skin care, home remedies, and even plant care. Embracing these alternatives not only reduces waste but also highlights the versatility of breast milk beyond its primary purpose.

How to dispose of expired breast milk?

Old or expired baby food or formula must be disposed of in your general household waste, as it cannot be used safely, milk goes down the drain and you will have to re-cycle the glass bottle.

Can you do anything with expired milk?

Spoiled milk can replace buttermilk or sour cream in baked goods. It can also be used to tenderize meats or added to soups, casseroles, or salad dressings. You can likewise use it in certain cosmetic applications to soften your skin.

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 didn’t drink?

The CDC advises reusing leftover breast milk within two hours of the last feeding. If it’s longer than two hours, you should throw it away. Do not freeze and reuse later.

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!

Can I do anything with expired breast milk?

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

Is breast milk good for plants?

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. To make fertilizer from leftover breast milk, follow the 1:1:4 ratio.

What to make with expiring milk?

As the milk further sours, you can use it in recipes that call for more sugar. Start by turning your kitchen into a tea shop. Bring a cup of milk to a simmer and then add a tablespoon of sugar, whatever strong black tea you have around, and a few whole spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon.

What can I do with breast milk that was left out?

It’s best to chill, refrigerate, or freeze breast milk immediately after it’s expressed. If expressed milk is left out unrefrigerated, but it’s in a clean, covered container, it can sit at room temperature for between four and six hours. Milk that has been left out for longer should be thrown away.

Should I throw away expired milk?

Pour spoiled milk in your green cart for composting. Use newspaper, flyers and used paper towels to help soak up any excess liquid. Only put in what can be absorbed by the contents of your kitchen pail (fuller kitchen pails can absorb more liquids than emptier ones).