Over the years we live, we grow, we learn, we experiment… you catch my drift.
Moms of the past have been told, “Throw out your milk after this amount of time”. Which, yes, in the case of your child consuming it, is true. However, we don’t have to throw our breastmilk away.
Over the years, we’ve discovered that breastmilk can be used for so many different things1. (I know, some knew for generations, don’t come for me).
Expired Defined
They call it the 444 Rule but really it should be →
The 4 - 4 - 6 Rule
→ 4 hours out of the fridge
→ 4 days in the fridge
→ 6 months in the freezer (but really you can push this to 12 months).
Here’s why:
“The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine explains that as a general guide foods frozen at -18°C are indefinitely safe from bacterial contamination; however there could be possible changes in milk quality due to the enzymes present.”2
Here’s a pretty chart explaining it all:
And another (less pretty chart) for greater context in the matter:
Take this chart3 with a grain of salt. Nuance must be applied.
Ways We Can Use Breast Milk Other Than Feeding
Breastmilk Lotion - a better alternative to store-bought lotions (likely full of endocrine disruptors4).
Recipe:
Disclaimer: (You can find any DIY recipe and make it your own)
2-3oz Breastmilk (room temperature)
2-3oz Coconut Oil
1 tbsp Beeswax
4-5 drops of Vitamin E Oil
3-5 drops of essential oil (for fragrance if desired/optional)
Directions:
Heat beeswax and Coconut oil in a pan until the beeswax is melted (but careful not to burn - much like melting sugar).
Slowly add in your room-temperature breastmilk + whisk until it thickens.
Add in Vitamin E oil + essential oil drops.
Store in a sealed container in the fridge (up to 3 months).
Breastmilk Soaps - a better alternative to store-bought soaps (likely full of endocrine disruptors).
How to:
Get a soap base (like oat) + soap molds.
Melt soap base down.
Mix soap and milk together (about 1oz of milk per 1 oz of soap base).
Store in the fridge for 2+ hours.
Storage:
Keep soap that is not in use in an airtight container in the fridge. It does not need to be stored between uses - However, if there is a change in color or smell to the soap, it is time to trash it. You can expect it to last up to 6 months.
Breastmilk Baths - can be soothing, especially in cases of irritated skin.
How to:
Fill baby’s bath as normal, and add enough milk that the bath water becomes cloudy. (I usually use around 4.5 oz per bath).
Let your baby soak in the bath for 5-10 minutes, washing and pouring the water all over them.
After the bath, pat your baby dry and apply your breastmilk lotion!
Why Use Breastmilk
Breastmilk is essentially a cure-all.
Some things breastmilk can be used for but not limited to:
Cradle cap
Eczema
Baby Acne
Diaper Rash
Bug Bites
Small Cuts/Abrasions
Pink Eye
Ear Infections
Minor Burns
I like to freeze syringes full of breastmilk for all of the above just in case. They are handy to have whenever you can’t just whip your breast out and self-express milk.
It may take a few days for certain ailments to clear up, or even weeks, but I swear by using breastmilk for everything.
Chad had pretty bad baby acne his first few weeks of life and both the use of milk baths and applying the milk directly to his skin cleared it up within days when he would get it.
Anytime he gets a little scratch, I apply the milk and it’s all healed within 1-2 days.
He even had cradle cap for a little bit - cleared within 2 weeks!
These are just some victories for us. Hopefully, it can do the same for you!
That’s All Folks!
I took a small hiatus this month as it was very much needed.
Mom life rules BTW.
Thank you for your patience! Enjoy and look forward to more. : - )
#WAGMI
Your friend,
- BowTiedHeifer
Disclaimer
I am not a licensed personal trainer or pre/postnatal specialist—these are simply my personal experiences and things I have witnessed to work for many others. This is not legal, medical or financial advice. Please speak to a professional before starting any new programs, applying any new diet plans, or supplement protocols.
Endocrine Disruptors - “natural or man-made chemicals that may mimic or interfere with the body's hormones, known as the endocrine system.”