What to do with breast milk you cant feed?

Understanding the Dilemma of Unused Breast Milk
For many new mothers, the journey of breastfeeding can be fraught with challenges, including the unfortunate situation of having excess breast milk that cannot be fed to their baby. Whether due to low demand, a sudden change in feeding routines, or health issues, it’s essential to know how to handle this precious resource effectively.
Options for Excess Breast Milk
1. Donation to Milk Banks:
One of the most altruistic options for mothers with surplus breast milk is to donate it to a milk bank. These facilities collect, pasteurize, and distribute breast milk to infants in need, particularly those who are premature or ill. Donating not only helps other families but also ensures that the milk is used safely and effectively. Mothers interested in this option should check the guidelines of local milk banks, as they often have specific requirements regarding health screenings and milk collection.
2. Sharing with Other Mothers:
If formal donation isn’t feasible, consider sharing with friends or family members who may have infants. This informal approach can be a great way to support other mothers in your community. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the recipient understands proper storage and handling practices to maintain the milk’s safety.
3. Freezing for Future Use:
If the excess milk is still within its safe storage window, freezing it for future use is a viable option. Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for up to six months, and in some cases, even longer. This allows mothers to have a backup supply for times when they may be away from their baby or when their milk supply fluctuates.
4. Using in Recipes:
For mothers who are unable to donate or store their milk, incorporating it into recipes can be a creative solution. Breast milk can be used in various dishes, such as oatmeal or smoothies, providing nutritional benefits to the mother while reducing waste.
Emotional Considerations
The emotional toll of not being able to feed all the milk produced can be significant. Many mothers experience feelings of guilt or inadequacy, especially when they are unable to meet their baby’s needs. It’s important to remember that breastfeeding is a personal journey, and every mother’s experience is unique. Seeking support from lactation consultants or breastfeeding support groups can provide reassurance and practical advice.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of breastfeeding and managing excess milk can be challenging, but there are several constructive paths to consider. Whether through donation, sharing, freezing, or creative culinary uses, mothers can ensure that their breast milk serves a purpose, even if it cannot be fed directly to their baby. Embracing these options not only helps reduce waste but also fosters a sense of community and support among mothers.

How do you get rid of breast milk if not breastfeeding?

If you don’t plan to breastfeed, it’s best to avoid stimulation to your breasts — this may cause your body to release the hormones that stimulate continued breast milk production. Engorgement, leakage and discomfort tend to peak on the fourth postpartum day and gradually decrease over the next 10 to 12 days.

What to do with breast milk you can’t feed?

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 use spoiled breast milk for?

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 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 you use breastmilk for besides feeding?

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!

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.

Can I refrigerate an unfinished 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 breast milk that baby didn’t finish?

I found it! Per cdc “If your baby did not finish the bottle, the 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 milk in smaller amounts.”

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

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.