What do I do with expired breast milk?

Understanding Expired Breast Milk
Breast milk is often referred to as “liquid gold” due to its rich nutritional profile and numerous health benefits for infants. However, there comes a time when breast milk can expire, either due to improper storage or simply because it has been kept for too long. When faced with expired breast milk, many parents wonder what to do with it instead of simply discarding it.
Signs of Expired Breast Milk
Before deciding on a course of action, it’s essential to determine whether the breast milk has truly expired. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or an off appearance. If the milk smells bad or has changed in texture, it is best to throw it away to avoid any risk to health.
Creative Uses for Expired Breast Milk
If the milk is expired but still appears safe to use (for example, it has been frozen for a long time but shows no signs of spoilage), there are several creative and beneficial ways to repurpose it:
1. Homemade Skin Care Products: Expired breast milk can be transformed into lotions or soaps. The natural fats and sugars in breast milk make it an excellent ingredient for moisturizing skin. Many parents have successfully made breast milk soap, which can be gentle and nourishing for sensitive skin.
2. Treating Skin Conditions: Breast milk has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can be used to treat minor skin irritations, such as diaper rash or cradle cap. Simply soak a cloth in the milk and apply it to the affected area for relief.
3. Soothing Burns: For minor burns, expired breast milk can be applied directly to the skin. The soothing properties can help alleviate pain and promote healing.
4. Plant Fertilizer: Some parents have found that diluted breast milk can be used as a fertilizer for plants. The nutrients in the milk can benefit plant growth, making it a sustainable option for those looking to recycle their expired milk.
5. Donation Considerations: If the milk is still within safe storage guidelines but simply not usable for your baby, consider donating it to a milk bank. However, keep in mind that milk banks typically only accept fresh, properly stored milk.
Conclusion
While the expiration of breast milk can be disappointing, it doesn’t have to lead to waste. By recognizing the signs of spoilage and exploring creative uses, parents can make the most of their breast milk, even after it has expired. Whether through homemade skincare products or as a natural remedy for minor ailments, expired breast milk can still serve a purpose. Always prioritize safety, and when in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and dispose of any milk that shows signs of spoilage.

How do I get rid of unwanted breast milk?

Several factors will affect how long it takes for your milk to dry up, including your baby’s age and how much milk your body is making.

1. 7 ways to dry your breast milk supply quickly.
2. Cold turkey.
3. Herbs.
4. Cabbage.
5. Birth control.
6. Sudafed.
7. Vitamin B.
8. Other drugs.

What can I use expired breast milk for?

– Breast Milk Bath: Use unspoiled expired milk for a soothing and moisturizing bath, ideal for sensitive skin. – Soap or Lotion: Make homemade soap or lotion for natural skincare, with breast milk’s nourishing properties. – Breast Milk Jewelry: Transform a sentimental amount of milk into a keepsake, like jewelry.

Can I save a half-drank bottle of breastmilk?

Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. You can always thaw an extra container if needed.

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 I do with expired breast milk?

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 I do with my expired breast milk?

While expired breast milk shouldn’t be consumed, there are creative ways to use it: – Breast Milk Bath: Use unspoiled expired milk for a soothing and moisturizing bath, ideal for sensitive skin. – Soap or Lotion: Make homemade soap or lotion for natural skincare, with breast milk’s nourishing properties.

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.”

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 do with breastmilk 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.

How to use breastmilk for cradle cap?

Cradle cap is a form of dermatitis, causing flaky, scaly patches on a baby’s scalp. This usually happens within the first three months after birth. To treat cradle cap, fresh or frozen breast milk that has been thawed can be rubbed on the area with a soft brush or washcloth in a circular motion.