The composition of your breast milk is unique and evolves according to your child’s needs. But did you know that breast milk is valuable in many other ways? Antiseptic, healing, or even regenerating, it can be used cosmetically, for everyday minor injuries, and even to relieve diaper rash. To make sure you don’t waste a single drop, let’s discover the many uses of maternal white gold together.
Breast milk: an exceptional composition
Breast milk is a unique biological creation, specifically adapted to meet the nutritional and immunological needs of infants throughout their first months of life. Like magic, its composition changes over the weeks (and feedings) to adjust to your baby’s growth and development.
It starts as colostrum, rich in protein and antibodies in the first days postpartum, then becomes transition milk, and finally mature milk about two weeks after birth. It then reaches a stable composition, suited to the baby’s ongoing growth.
Its nutrients and their role in baby’s growth
- Mainly in the form of lactose, carbohydrates are an essential energy source, promoting brain development.
- Lipids, which constitute about 4% of the total weight of breast milk, benefit the nervous system and are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), play a crucial role in brain and retinal development.
- Proteins—primarily whey and casein—support the infant’s muscle growth.
- Finally, breast milk provides essential micronutrients: vitamins A, D, E, K, and minerals, calcium, and iron, all necessary for your child’s good health.
Its bioactive components: antibodies, probiotics, and stem cells
In addition to its many nutrients, breast milk is rich in bioactive components, naturally occurring molecules that are beneficial for human health and, thus, the baby’s well-being.
Antibodies—the immunoglobulins (IgA)—protect the baby against infections. Probiotics, beneficial intestinal bacteria, help to support digestive health and gut flora.
Finally, breast milk contains numerous stem cells, so-called undifferentiated cells, capable of transforming into various cell types and potentially contributing to the regeneration and development of infant tissues.
Beyond nutrition: surprising therapeutic uses
Universally recognized for its exceptional nutritional qualities, human milk also has amazing medicinal properties that go far beyond its benefits as food.
Colostrum as the first natural vaccine
Thanks to its antibody content, colostrum boosts the newborn’s immune system and protects against the first infections they may encounter, now that they are no longer protected inside their mother’s womb. For this reason, it is often called “liquid gold.”
Breast milk for minor eye infections
Due to its antibacterial properties, breast milk can be used to soothe certain minor eye infections such as conjunctivitis, which is common in children. To try it, wash your hands thoroughly and fill a clean dropper with several drops of breast milk to place in the corner of your baby’s eye 3 to 4 times a day. You may also soak a sterile pad and gently wipe your baby’s eyes.
Therapeutic, digestive, and respiratory applications
Breast milk is rich in protective immunoglobulins for the infant’s intestinal and respiratory mucous membranes. It also contains natural probiotics for a healthy microbiome, fewer gastrointestinal infections, and less colic. In addition, cytokines and SPMs (Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators) play a key role in the modulation of inflammatory and immune responses.
Relieving wounds and skin irritation
Antiseptic and healing, breast milk can also be used to speed up healing of minor superficial wounds and certain types of skin irritation. Examples include small scratches, mild diaper rashes, or the red knees babies get when they start crawling.
Breast milk in cosmetics and natural care
Did you know? Rich in nutrients and antimicrobial agents, breast milk is a gentle alternative to naturally nourish, hydrate, soothe, and regenerate the skin.
Treating baby’s skin: eczema, diaper rash, and cradle cap
For eczema, gently massage a small amount of milk into the affected area until absorbed, which helps to ease the dryness of sensitive skin. For mild diaper rash, simply hydrate baby’s bottom with milk during diaper changes. The same can be repeated on the scalp to help loosen cradle cap and around the umbilical cord to support healing.
Maternal beauty care for soothing
You can incorporate a bit of breast milk into various skin care products such as your face cream to fight acne, or your moisturizer to reduce stretch marks. You can also use it directly as a makeup remover with a cotton pad, or as a hydrating agent to soothe minor inflammations and help healing, especially on your nipples in case of chapping or cracks.
Making soap with breast milk
Since breast milk is rich in antibodies, lipids, and proteins, it offers ideal nourishment for the skin. So why not try making your own homemade soap? This DIY is not only durable, eco-friendly, and suitable for the whole family, but also very easy to make.
- Mix 3.4 oz (100 ml) breast milk with 3.5 oz (100 g) Marseille soap flakes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Melt the mixture over low heat or in a double boiler.
- Pour into silicone molds and let dry in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours before unmolding.
Note: A glass of milk in bath water leaves the skin soft, and your milk can also be added to your shower gel for added convenience!
Breast milk—where you least expect it
Against allergies and insect bites
An American study identified a specific micro-RNA, miR-375-3p, whose concentration progressively increases in breast milk during lactation. Infants who consume large amounts exhibit a reduced risk of developing allergies, especially eczema, food allergies, and asthma.
In addition, breast milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are also showing promise for allergy prevention.
Finally, for insect bites—especially during mosquito season—try applying drops of milk (anti-inflammatory and antiseptic) directly to the bite to reduce itching and accelerate healing.
Ear, nose, and throat care
Ear infections, stuffy nose, or sore throat—thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial powers, breast milk can help ease discomfort and pain, relieve congestion, or fight minor infections.
🩺 However, despite all the benefits and natural qualities of breast milk, it is important to consult your doctor or pediatrician first for the best advice and treatments for your baby’s health.
Using, storing, freezing, and thawing breast milk
As you’ve read, breast milk can be used in many ways—for your baby, for yourself, in daily life, and even in specific cases. It’s a valuable and short-lived resource, so it’s important to know how to store it well.
-
Which breast milk to use?
- If your milk is nearing its expiration date, use it for skin care (eczema, diaper rash) or for homemade soaps.
- Transform stored milk that your baby no longer wants into cosmetic products or use it to soothe minor irritations and bites.
- Keep your extra pumped milk for future use—even after breastfeeding is over.
-
How to store breast milk?
- Breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days at 39°F (4°C).
- For longer storage, use bags or bottles designed for freezing. Label each container with the expression date. Milk can be kept for up to 6 months at 0°F (-18°C) and even up to 12 months if -4°F (-20°C) is strictly maintained.
-
How do you freeze breast milk?
- Preferably use a tinted glass container, a special milk storage bag, or a medical-grade silicone bottle.
- Prepare small portions of about 2–4 oz (60–120 ml), and leave some space at the top to allow for milk expansion as it freezes.
- Place your milk portions at the back of the freezer compartments, where the temperature is most stable, and as far from the door as possible to avoid even brief temperature fluctuations.
-
How do you thaw breast milk?
- Transfer your milk from the freezer to the refrigerator for about 12 hours, or place the container under warm running water for a quicker thaw.
- Never use a microwave, which could alter the milk’s properties.
- Once thawed, use the milk within 24 hours and never refreeze it.
Pumping: a valuable solution
To continue breastfeeding after returning to work or to quickly build up a milk stash, pumping is a valuable solution. It allows you to continue breastfeeding in your absence and with complete peace of mind.
Depending on your needs, you can choose a manual or electric breast pump, adapted to your pace and routines. Expressed milk can then be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
Did you know? Bottles made of medical-grade silicone are 100% compatible with pumping, first because silicone can easily withstand freezing, and second, because there are adapter rings to use with certain breast pumps by Avent, Medela, Spectra, and Ardo.
Milk donation: sharing your treasure with other babies
Donating your milk is a generous, caring act of infinite kindness. If your supply allows, find the nearest milk bank to learn how to share your milk with the most vulnerable newborns; premature babies, those hospitalized, or those whose mothers cannot breastfeed.
You collect your breast milk at home, comfortably seated, before it is picked up and mixed with milk from other donors to ensure a perfectly balanced composition.
It will then be pasteurized and distributed to hospitals and maternity wards that request it, and then to families by medical prescription—a gesture of goodwill with priceless value in the very first moments of life.
call-to-action-bottles
