What to 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, when it comes to expired breast milk, many parents may feel inclined to discard it without considering its potential uses. Contrary to common belief, expired breast milk can still serve various practical purposes, making it a valuable resource rather than waste.
Soothing and Healing Properties
One of the most notable uses for expired breast milk is its soothing and healing properties. Even when it is no longer suitable for consumption, breast milk retains many beneficial components. For instance, it can be used to treat minor skin irritations, such as diaper rash or eczema. Applying breast milk directly to the affected area can help soothe inflammation and promote healing due to its natural antibodies and anti-inflammatory properties.
Homemade Skin Care Products
Another innovative way to utilize expired breast milk is by incorporating it into homemade skin care products. Many parents have turned to creating lotions and soaps using breast milk. These products can be gentle on the skin and are particularly beneficial for babies with sensitive skin. The process typically involves mixing breast milk with natural ingredients like oils and butters to create nourishing lotions or soaps that retain the milk’s beneficial properties.
Household Uses
Beyond personal care, expired breast milk can also find a place in household applications. For example, it can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants. The nutrients in breast milk can enrich the soil, promoting healthy plant growth. Additionally, some parents have reported using it in pet care, such as adding it to homemade dog treats, providing a nutritious boost to their pets’ diets.
Creative Culinary Uses
While it may seem unconventional, some parents have even explored culinary uses for expired breast milk. It can be incorporated into recipes for pancakes, smoothies, or baked goods, provided that the milk has not been stored improperly and is still safe to use in this context. This approach not only minimizes waste but also allows families to creatively integrate the milk into their meals.
Conclusion
In summary, expired breast milk should not be hastily discarded. Instead, it can be repurposed in various ways that benefit both personal care and household needs. From soothing skin irritations to creating homemade lotions and even enriching garden soil, the potential uses for expired breast milk are diverse and valuable. By recognizing these alternatives, parents can make the most of this precious resource, ensuring that not a drop goes to waste.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for breast milk?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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!