What do I do with leftover breast milk?

Making the Most of Leftover Breast Milk
Breast milk, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is not just a vital source of nutrition for infants; it also possesses remarkable properties that can be utilized in various ways. If you find yourself with leftover breast milk, there are several creative and practical options to consider, ensuring that none of this precious resource goes to waste.
1. Storage and Reuse
First and foremost, understanding how to properly store leftover breast milk is crucial. According to guidelines, breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for up to six months. If you have leftover milk after a feeding, it can be reused within two hours, provided it hasn’t been left out at room temperature for too long. This means you can save it for the next feeding, making smaller bottles to minimize waste in the first place.
2. Donation
If you consistently have an oversupply of breast milk, consider donating it. Many milk banks accept donations of fresh breast milk, which is then pasteurized and provided to sick infants whose mothers may not be able to produce enough milk. This is a wonderful way to help other families in need while ensuring your milk is put to good use.
3. Homemade Baby Food
Another innovative use for leftover breast milk is incorporating it into homemade baby food. You can mix it with pureed fruits or vegetables to enhance the nutritional value of your baby’s meals. This not only provides essential nutrients but also helps your baby transition to solid foods while still receiving the benefits of breast milk.
4. Breast Milk Baths
For those interested in natural remedies, breast milk can be used in baths for babies with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Adding a few ounces of breast milk to a warm bath can help soothe and moisturize the skin, leveraging its natural healing properties.
5. Breast Milk Jewelry
For a more sentimental approach, some parents choose to create keepsakes from their breast milk. Companies offer services to turn breast milk into jewelry, such as pendants or rings, allowing you to cherish the memory of breastfeeding in a unique way.
6. Cooking and Baking
Incorporating breast milk into cooking and baking is another option. You can use it in recipes for pancakes, muffins, or smoothies, adding a nutritional boost to your meals. Just be mindful of the storage guidelines to ensure the milk remains safe for consumption.
7. Selling Breast Milk
If you have an excess supply and meet the necessary health guidelines, selling breast milk can be a viable option. Some organizations and individuals are willing to purchase breast milk, providing you with a way to earn some extra cash while helping others.
Conclusion
Leftover breast milk can be a valuable resource beyond its initial purpose. Whether you choose to store it for later use, donate it, or get creative with its applications, there are numerous ways to ensure that this precious liquid is utilized effectively. By exploring these options, you can make the most of your breastfeeding journey while supporting your baby’s health and well-being.

Should I throw away unused breast milk?

Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts.

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.

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 remaining breast milk?

Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts. See Breast Milk Storage and Preparation for more information.

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 do with breast milk instead of dumping?

6 Creative Ways to Use Breast Milk as a Home Remedy

1. Soothing Baby’s Diaper Rash.
2. Clearing Baby’s Stuffy Nose.
3. Easing Teething Pain.
4. Treating Baby’s Acne.
5. Helping Baby’s Cradle Cap.
6. Healing Cuts and Scrapes.

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.”

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.

What should be done with any leftover breast milk?

Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts.

Can I put an unfinished bottle of breast milk back in the fridge?

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. Refrigerate or chill milk right after it is expressed.