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Break milk is one of nature’s most fascinating things. It’s made by a mother’s body to meet the specific needs of their baby. Breastfeeding can be magical and challenging, especially when you have a lot of milk to manage. Do you have more breast milk than what your baby can consume?
We all know there are so many benefits of breast milk, but it does expire, so what can we do to make the most of excess breast milk? No matter where you are in your breastfeeding journey, whether just beginning or approaching the end, it’s never too early or too late to start storing your extra milk. This article will explore some practical and creative ways to utilize leftover breast milk.
First, let’s recap all the great benefits of breast milk so we can learn more about some great alternative uses outside of feeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages breastfeeding from the age of newborn to up to two years old.
Breast milk contains the perfect balance of vitamins, minerals, and antibodies that change as the baby grows. Human breast milk contains everything to meet a baby’s needs at every stage of their development. Breastfeeding is a beautiful way to nourish and nurture a baby, fostering a deep connection between mother and child. This is where the term ‘liquid gold’ comes in.
Not only is it the gold standard for feeding your baby, human milk benefits go further in its liquid gold magic. It can benefit the mom and baby’s skin, serve as first aid to bug bites, and be a soothing tool for teething. So, if you’re facing the challenges of oversupply or having extra milk after weaning, remember that extra breast milk doesn’t have to go to waste. Check out all the ways you can make great use of your leftover milk.
Practical Uses
One of the most practical uses for leftover breast milk is donating it. You can donate to a breast milk bank or ask your local hospital if you can donate it to the NICU or a mom in need. If you plan on donating your own breast milk, you will want to ensure you follow the breast milk storage guidelines. You can find this information online on sites like La Leche League or from your lactation consultant.
If you plan on donating to a bank or hospital, you’ll want to reach out and understand their storage guidelines. You may also need to go through a screening process. There are also companies out there that will help assist you with storing. Milkify is an excellent option for helping with storing your breast milk. They are an excellent option in providing service in breastmilk storage.
They will send you a shipping storage container that you use to load up your frozen milk and send it back to them for freeze-drying. It is a medical-grade cooler that safely stores your milk while in transport. Milkify will then return your milk in a powder form for more accessible storage and use.
Another practical use of extra breast milk is combining it with solid food, such as adding it to purees, smoothies, baby cereal, and baked goods. You can also make breast milk popsicles or ice cream, which is great for your teething baby.
Purchase some silicone popsicle molds, add breast milk, and store them in your freezer. You can get creative and add milk to some puree fruit for a tasty treat after dinner. It’s also a good idea to keep extra milk in the freezer when the baby experiences a growth spurt. If you notice your baby seems like they are still hungry after a feeding or meal time, during their next feeding, you can pull out a bag of frozen milk and run it under warm running water until it’s at room temperature and bottle feed or provide it in a sippy cup.
You can also use your freezer stash of extra milk to help with pumping. The extra milk can be used as ice packs to cool down the flanges and make pumping more comfortable. When you’re finished with the frozen packs, you can thaw them in a bowl of warm water and serve them to your baby, or get creative and use them for breast milk baths. Speaking of creative uses, let’s dive into all the other great uses for extra breast milk.
Creative Uses
The magic of breastmilk goes beyond feeding. It may seem common sense to freeze and store all the milk you can, but when you run out of freezer space, why not try out some of these creative ideas?
- Breastfeeding Issues – In the early weeks of breastfeeding, you may experience cracked or sore nipples. Rub a few drops of breast milk on the skin to help soothe and heal it. Also, when beginning breastfeeding, taking small amounts of expressed milk and rubbing it on the baby’s mouth is a great way to encourage latching.
- Baby’s Skin – Fresh breast milk is also great for baby’s skin. It can help moisturize dry skin and treat diaper rash. When your baby gets a little bit older, it can also help treat eczema. You can apply it directly to their skin or into a warm bath. Baths are a great way to utilize your extra milk supply, creating a nice, soothing milk bath.
- First Aid – Believe it or not, your own milk can be used as first aid. It can help with burns, scrapes, insect bites, ear infections, sore throats, and eye infections. It can also help alleviate cradle cap. As always, it’s a good idea to consult your childcare provider when your baby is experiencing a medical condition.
- Breast Milk Jewelry – Did you know you can create a beautiful piece of jewelry from just a few ounces of breast milk? You can find several companies online, such as KeepsakeMom. You select your design online, and they send you a kit with a storage bag for your breast milk. Anything from a necklace, a bracelet with your child’s name, or some earrings are all great ideas for breast milk jewelry.
- Breast Milk Soap and Lotion – Another great way to utilize extra breast milk is to make breast milk lotion or soap. Several DIY sites online walk you through how to make soaps and lotions. You can also purchase a kit with your favorite essential oils and add your milk directly.
Other Important Things
When you first start breastfeeding, it can seem like hard work. It can feel incredibly challenging when you need to return to work or take a trip away from your baby. Electric breast pumps are super helpful when you have to return to work and usually are covered by your insurance. A manual breast pump is a great option to have on hand when you’re on the go and need to release some milk.
Regardless of what type of pump you use, you must ensure you always use clean and dry pump parts. You also want to store your fresh milk in the appropriate storage bags. If you are donating to breast milk banks, it’s a good idea to understand their storage and supply guidelines.
A mother’s milk supply is one of nature’s most fascinating marvels. It contains all the nutrients a baby needs to thrive, and its formula changes as the baby grows. It provides the perfect balance of antibodies and nutrients for each stage of the baby’s growth. It starts as colostrum, a thicker consistency that helps coat the baby’s stomach and create a healthy gut environment.
As the baby grows, it becomes thinner, and supply increases. It also releases oxytocin, which makes both the mother and baby feel relaxed and safe. This fosters the bond between mother and baby while nurturing the baby’s emotional development.
Breastmilk can go beyond just benefitting the baby; it can provide lifelong protection against allergies, asthma, and some diseases. So next time you bag your warm breast milk in those little plastic bags, remember you are bottling one of nature’s wonders, a mother’s love, and liquid gold.
