The absolute magic of breast milk is pretty well-known among the parenting community. Moms have seen their breast milk satisfy and nourish their babies. They've even witnessed it completely change colors from adjusting to fight off their baby's illnesses. While most of us already know what breast milk is primarily known for, many of us aren't aware that there are way more uses for mothers' milk out there — some of which are a little weird and very surprising.
Because of its natural healing properties, breast milk is used for a ton of things, from treating minor illnesses and ailments in kids and adults to being a major component in cooking in many homes. What was once thought of as solely food for babies has transformed into something everyone can benefit from if they need to.
This list has just about everything on it. It's got hilariously weird wrinkle smoothers, cold and flu cure-all suggestions, and even an idea for keeping contact lenses at optimum moisture. We know a lot of these things are weird, but that's totally the point of this list. The knowledge that breast milk may be the answer to a lot of common problems is really shocking, but it's also really cool. The 36 weird uses for breast milk on this list may not be common knowledge, but they probably should be!
Breast Milk for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks
Anti-aging products are expensive these days. Luckily, breast milk created in the first few days after birth contains plenty of natural colostrum which is thought to help smooth wrinkles and stretch marks. It doesn't even take a ton of effort to reap the benefits either. Placing a bit of frozen breast milk on wrinkles and stretch marks over time will do the trick.
Breast Milk for Soap
Tons of people make their own soap, and breast milk makes a very welcome addition to the ingredients. Whether it's used to clean babies or for the rest of the family, breast milk soap is believed to seriously soften the skin.
Breast Milk Jewelry.
Breast milk jewelry has got to be one of the coolest inventions in recent history. With just a little bit of work, any mom can turn her milk into a beautiful keepsake she can enjoy forever.
Breast Milk for Diaper Rash
There are plenty of diaper rash products out there, but no one can go wrong with a bit of breast milk. Even just expressing a bit and rubbing into the rash raw can provide major relief for baby and heal diaper rash faster.
Breast Milk for Eczema
Many parents believe breast milk to be a really great alternative moisturizer for kids and adults with eczema. Even just a bit of raw milk on eczema patches may reduce itchiness and redness.
Breast Milk for Acne
Thanks to the natural presence of lauric acid — which has antibacterial properties that help the skin — breast milk is often used by moms to treat acne. Just a little bit of it raw on a cotton ball should do the trick!
Breast Milk for Baby Acne
Adult acne and baby acne definitely have some major differences, but one thing they do have in common is the fact that breast milk can be a serious healer and deterrent for them both.
Breast Milk for Sore Nipples
Every breastfeeding mom knows how sore, rough, and cracked nipples can get while nursing. Luckily, breast milk can serve as a "hair of the dog that bit you" cure to the common ailment.
Breast Milk for Ear Infections
Countless moms swear by breast milk as a cure for childhood ear infections. The natural antibiotics in mothers' milk can actually serve as a great alternative treatment with just a few drops.
Breast Milk for Baby Popsicles
Breast milk baby popsicles are good as both a teething tool and a sweet treat. The best part? They require no extra ingredients or a ton of effort to make!
Breast Milk for Cheese
For those looking to embark on the journey of making homemade cheese, they should know that breast milk cheese is thought to be pretty good. We can't say for sure if everyone will be down to try it, but it's actually pretty simple to cook up.
Breast Milk for Lotion
Sometimes, it can be difficult to find lotion gentle enough for baby's sensitive skin. But with a little bit of beeswax and a healthy helping of breast milk, that problem is easily solved.
Breast Milk for Pink Eye
Very similar to the moms who treat their kid's ear infections with breast milk, some use it to cure pink eye too. While studies about breast milk and pink have been inconclusive, some still swear by it.
Breast Milk for Sunburn
It's incredibly common for kids to get sunburns. When that happens, breast milk is a great stand-in for things like aloe. Those powerful, natural antibodies promote healing and help take the pain away at the same time.
Breast Milk for Makeup Remover
Using breast milk as a makeup remover is easy. Just express a bit, and rub it into the skin to help take off tough eye makeup and serve as a pre-cleanser.
Breast Milk for Chicken Pox
Similar to the way it works for eczema, breast milk can't necessarily heal chicken pox, but it can make it easier to deal with. Just a little bit of raw or frozen breast milk on chicken pox can seriously reduce itching and discomfort and maybe even shorten the duration of the infection.
Breast Milk for Cooking
When cooking, it's perfectly fine to substitute breast milk for regular milk. Use it to make cupcakes, cream sauces, or whatever else the family loves to eat.
Breast Milk for Skin Warts
Definitely one of the most surprising on this list: A compound in breast milk actually destroys common warts on the skin, causing them to fall off.
Breast Milk for Cradle Cap
Most experts believe the crusty, oily skin called cradle cap is given to babies because of their moms' hormones during breastfeeding. Because of this, some suggest that moms fill their diets with foods that have biotin, zinc, B6, selenium, and manganese so their breast milk naturally helps treat the cradle cap.
Breast Milk for Poison Ivy
Many believe the healing properties in breast milk may help naturally soothe and heal the irritation caused by bad poison ivy reactions.
Breast Milk as Chapstick
Dry, cracked lips are a natural part of life for all of us. But there's no need to invest in expensive chapstick when frozen breast milk works as a great alternative.
Breast Milk for Congestion
During cold and flu season or any other time of the year, most moms will be happy to know that some experts suggest their baby's congestion can be cleared away with just a squirt or two of milk up the nose. Very similar to the way they would use saline solution.
Breast Milk for Ice Cream
One of the main ingredients in ice cream is milk, which is easily substituted for breast milk. All that's required for breast milk ice cream is a little extra pumping and an open mind.
Breast Milk for Clogged Tear Ducts
Clogged tear ducts are incredibly common among infants. The ailment is usually cleared up with a little saline solution. And while there's no medical evidence to suggest that breast milk actually works to unclog dear ducts, many moms suggest that it actually works.
Breast Milk for Burns
Similar to how the antibodies in breast milk can be used to soothe the pain and promote healing in sunburns, the same can be said for other very minor burns as well.
Breast Milk for Yogurt
Anyone making homemade yogurt is already embarking on a pretty cool journey; adding breast milk to the equation only makes it more interesting. Breast milk yogurt is a fantastic homemade treat for babies too!
Breast Milk for Fever
As far as fever reducers go, breast milk usually works as a great first option. It naturally adjusts to keep babies hydrated and healthy with antibodies. Nurse regularly, use a bottle or even a spoon, but breast milk is awesome for treating baby fevers.
Breast Milk for Cold & Flu
Need to get over a cold or the flu a little quicker? Try a bit of breast milk; the liquid gold is known to boost immune systems in little ones.
Breast Milk for Face Cleanser
Breast milk is perfect for people who prefer a gentler face cleanse as opposed to heavier soaps that strip the skin. Breast milk is a great stand-in; just rub some raw into the skin like a regular cleanser, rinse it off, and voilà, a perfectly clean face!
Breast Milk for Puffy Eyes
Whether it's for a kid who's been non-stop crying or an adult running on no sleep, a dab or two of fresh breast milk may help clear up eye puffiness not caused by underlying medical issues in no time.
Breast Milk for Milk Baths
Milk baths are always seen as being especially luxurious, and they are. But when breast milk is added to the water in a regular bath, it can act as a major skin soother and softener for both adults and babies.
Breast Milk for Canker Sores
Canker sores are the worst, especially when they stick around for what seems like forever. While there are plenty topical treatments out there, because of its antibacterial properties, a few swishes of breast milk in the mouth may help fight off the bacteria in the mouth and help canker sores heal faster.
Breast Milk for Coffee Creamer
Out of your favorite creamer? Want to substitute cows' milk for something else? Try breast milk; it works just as well and is so sweet, it might make it unnecessary to add more sugar.
Breast Milk Donation
This one isn't necessarily "weird" but it is something a lot of moms don't know they can do. Donating a bit of extra breast milk to families and babies in need is just one of the many amazing things moms can do with the stuff.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
