Since I’m celebrating our 365th day of breastfeeding (i.e. my Lil’ B’s first birthday) and another nasty cold I thought I would share some alternative uses for breast milk.
1. Clogged tear ducts and other eye infections. Simply place a few drops of breast milk in the infected eye and it should clear up the infection. I actually had to use this when Lil’ B was only a few weeks old and it worked wonders for us.
2. Chapped or cracked nipples. Yet another personal use for myself both with Lil’ B and her brother. Simply allow the breast milk to air dry on the chapped nipple.
3. Stuffy nose. I still haven’t tried this one but since Lil’ B is battling a runny nose and cough I am going to try it today. I’ve had friends swear by this to help their little ones breath easier.
4. Ear infections. I have to admit this one was new but not surprising. Place a few drops in the infected ear to help speed up the healing time.
5. Insect bites. Again, another new use for breast milk to me. Allow breast milk to air dry on the bite.
6. Diaper rash and eczema. This one would be perfect for use with cloth diapers too since you can’t use heavy ointments. Again, simply allow breast milk to air dry on the rash prior to placing the new diaper on your baby.
7. Contact lens solution. Yep, try a little breast milk next time you run out of contact lens solution. It’s a great moisturizer.
8. Make up remover. Breast milk can be used as a gentle, natural make up remover and moisturizer.
9. Donate your milk. Yes, there are many milk banks that will accept breast milk for both infants and adults. Did I just say adults?
10. Caner treatment. Infants, children and adults can possibly benefit from breast milk as a cancer treatment. When I was researching alternative uses for breast milk I found several touching stories where adults were healed of their cancer by adding breast milk to their diet each day.
Now, I know that some of you are seriously looking at me like I’ve lost my mind! The research is out there and mom’s all around the world are using what God gave us to help treat mild (or severe) ailments naturally. I must also say that while research does say the ‘breast is best’, that not all women can breast feed. I respect your right as a parent to make the best choices for you and your family.
For us, both our children have been breastfed. Our son was breastfed for 11 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days. For me that was quite an accomplishment since I worked outside of the home and none of my friends or family had breastfed before me. Our Lil’ B who is celebrating her 365th day of breastfeeding today will continue to breastfeed.
For how long? Only time will tell. Reseach is supporting extending breastfeeding past the first year. There are women who still breastfeed their young children…some up to 8 or 9 years. Again…that is a personal decision for the parents and children.
My plan is to continue for as long as it benefits both myself and my child. Happy Birthday Lil’ B!
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I have SEVERAL comments but I will pick just two things to comment on…
1. I love you with all of my heart but I will NOT go anywhere with you if you breastfeed B at 8-9 years old… FORGET THAT. It IS a personal decision but I think a child in 3rd or 4th grade can eat/drink something else… in fact, I will even COOK MEAT if you are still attempting to bf B.
2. Make up remover? Really? Ok, put some in a container and I will give it a try the next time we get together.
Ahhhhh… your blog always interests me!
What a wonderful, wonderful post! Congratulations on your breastfeeding journey..I love hearing bf'ing stories; it warms my heart when I hear mothers talk about giving their child such a wonderful gift for whatever amount of time they deem necessary. I breastfed each of my (3) older children for aprox. 27 months each and am currently bf'ing my 7 month old. Happy Belated Lil' B!!
I love this post, it reminds me of my Bradley birthing instructor who told us that breast milk was pretty much the answer to everything 🙂 My baby has some eczema and I never thought to try breast milk on it, but now I will- thank you!
Adults??? GAH! This is such a great post 🙂 So many awesome ways that natural things can help us!! I too breastfed our babies and loved it. Happy Birthday to your lil B!!!
I've heard of some of these but never the ear infections one – makes sense! Isn't Breastmilk and amazing thing? Great post!