The composition of your breast milk is unique and evolves according to your child's needs. But did you know that breast milk is precious in many other ways? Antiseptic, healing and regenerating, it can be used for cosmetic purposes, to soothe everyday aches and pains, and even to relieve diaper rash. So, to make sure you don't miss a drop, let's set off together to discover the many applications of maternal white gold.
Breast milk, an exceptional composition
Breast milk is a unique biological creation, specially adapted to meet the nutritional and immunological needs of infants throughout their first months of life. Magically, its composition changes over the weeks (and feeds) to adjust to baby's growth and development.
Initially colostrum, rich in proteins and antibodies, in the first days post-partum, it becomes transition milk, then mature milk, around two weeks after delivery. It then reaches a stable composition, adapted 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 source of energy for brain development.
- Lipids, which represent around 4% of the total weight of breast milk, are beneficial to the nervous system and necessary for theabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), play a crucial role in brain and retinal development.
- Proteins, above all whey and casein, support muscle growth in infants.
- Last but not least, breast milk provides essential micronutrients- vitamins A, D, E, K and the minerals calcium and iron - that your child needs for good health.
Bioactive components: antibodies, probiotics and stem cells
In addition to its many nutrients, breast milk is rich in bioactive components, molecules of natural origin that are beneficial to human health and therefore to the infant's well-being.
Immunoglobulin (IgA) antibodies protect baby against infection. Probiotics, beneficial bacteria for the intestine, promote healthy intestinal flora.
Finally, breast milk contains numerous stem cells, known as undifferentiated cells, capable of transforming into various cell types, and therefore potentially capable of playing a role in the regeneration and development of infant tissues.
Beyond nutrition: surprising therapeutic uses
Universally recognized for its exceptional nutritional qualities, human milk also possesses astonishing medicinal properties that go beyond its dietary benefits.
Colostrum as the first natural vaccine
Thanks to the antibodies it contains, colostrum strengthens the newborn's immune system and protects him against the first infections he may encounter, now that he is no longer protected in his mother's womb. This is one of the reasons why it's also known as "liquid gold".
Breast milk against benign eye infections
Because of its antibacterial properties, breast milk can be used to soothe certain minor eye infections, such as conjunctivitis, common in children. To try this out, wash your hands thoroughly and fill a clean pipette with a few drops of milk to be instilled into the corner of the eye 3 or 4 times a day. You can also soak a sterile compress and rub it over your baby's eyes.
Therapeutic, digestive and respiratory applications
Breast milk is rich in immunoglobulins, which protect the infant's intestinal and respiratory mucosa. It also contains natural probiotics for a healthy microbiota and fewer gastrointestinal infections and colic. In addition, cytokines and SPMs (Specialized Pro-resolving mediators molecules) play a key role in modulating inflammatory and immune responses.
Relieve wounds and skin irritations
Antiseptic and healing, breast milk can also be used to heal small superficial wounds and certain skin irritations. Examples include small scratches, mild diaper rash or red knees from first crawling.
Breast milk in cosmetics and natural skincare
Did you know? Rich in nutrients and antimicrobial agents, breast milk offers a gentle alternative for naturally nourishing, moisturizing, soothing and regenerating the skin.
Caring for baby skin: eczema, diaper rash and cradle cap
For eczema, gently massage a small amount of milk onto the patches until it penetrates. This will ease the dryness of sensitized skin. For mild diaper rash, simply moisturize baby's bottom with milk during diaper changes. The same operation can be repeated on the scalp to break down cradle cap, and around the umbilical cord to help it heal.
In maternal cosmetics, to soothe
You can incorporate a little breast milk into various skin care products, such as your day cream to fight acne, or your moisturizing lotion to reduce stretch marks. You can also use it directly as a make-up remover with a cotton pad, or as a moisturizing agent to soothe minor inflammations and promote healing, especially on your nipples in the event of chapping or cracking.
Making soap from breast milk
Because breast milk is rich in antibodies, lipids and proteins, it provides ideal nourishment for the skin. So why not try making your own soap at home? Durable, ecological and good for the whole family, this DIY is also very easy to make.
- Mix 100 ml breast milk with 100 g Marseille soap shavings.
- Add 2 tablespoons coconut oil.
- Melt the mixture over low heat or in a bain-marie.
- Pour into silicone moulds and leave to dry in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours before unmoulding.
Note that a glass of milk in the bath water makes the skin soft, and that your milk production can also be mixed with your shower gel for added convenience!
Breast milk, where you least expect it
Against allergies and insect bites
An American study has identified a specific microRNA, miR-375-3p, whose concentration increases progressively in breast milk during lactation. Infants who consume it in high quantities have a reduced risk of developing allergies, includingeczema, food allergies andasthma.
Breast milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are also showing promise in allergy prevention.
Finally, in the event of an insect bite, and particularly during mosquito season, try milk drops (anti-inflammatory and antiseptic) applied directly to the pimple to reduce itching and speed healing.
Ear, nose and throat care
Otitis, blocked nose or sore throat, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, breast milk can help reduce discomfort and pain, decongest or fight minor infections.
🩺 However, despite all the benefits and naturalness of breast milk, it's important to consult your doctor or pediatrician first for the advice and treatment best suited to your baby's health.
Use, storage, freezing and thawing of breast milk
As you've read, breast milk can be used in many ways, for baby, for you, on a daily basis and even in special cases. It's a precious and ephemeral resource, so it's important to learn how to store it properly.
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Which breast milk to use?
- If your milk is about to expire, use it for skin care (eczema, diaper rash) or to make homemade soaps.
- Turn stored milk that baby no longer wants into cosmetics, or use it to soothe minor irritations and bites.
- Save your excess milk production for future use, even after you've stopped breastfeeding.
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How to store breast milk?
- Breast milk can be kept refrigerated for up to 4 days at 4°C.
- To store longer, use freezer-safe sachets or bottles. Label each container with the expression date. Milk can be stored for up to 6 months at -18°C, and even 12 months if a temperature of -20°C is strictly observed.
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- Preferably use a tinted glass container, a special storage bag or an Elhée medical silicone bottle with a hermetic seal.
- Prepare small doses of around 60 to 120 ml , leaving a little margin at the top to allow the milk to expand during freezing.
- Place your doses of milk at the very bottom of the containers, where the cold is most stable, and as far away from the door as possible, to avoid even rapid temperature variations.
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- Transfer your milk from the freezer to the fridge for about 12 hours, or place your container under a stream of lukewarm water to save time.
- Never use the microwave, which could alter the properties of the milk.
- Once thawed, consume the milk within 24 hours and never refreeze it.
The breast pump: a valuable solution
To continue breastfeeding despite the return to work, or to build up a milk reserve quicklythe breast pump is a valuable solution. It allows you to continue breastfeeding even in your absence, with complete peace of mind.
Depending on your needs, you can choose a manual or electric breast pump to suit your own rhythm and habits. The milk collected can then be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
And did you know? Élhée feeding bottles are 100% compatible with breast pumps, firstly because the medical silicone from which they are made withstands freezing very well, and secondly because they have adaptor rings for use with certain breast pumps from the Avent, Medela, Spectra and Ardo brands.
Milk donation: sharing your treasure with other babies
Giving your milk is a generous and supportive act of infinite gentleness. If your lactation level allows it, visit your nearest lactarium to find out how to share your milk with the most fragile newborns: premature babies, hospitalized babies or babies whose mothers are unable to breastfeed.
You collect your breast milk in the comfort of your own home, before it is collected and mixed with milk from other donors, ensuring a perfectly balanced composition.
It is then pasteurized and distributed to hospitals and maternity wards on request, and to families on medical prescription. A gesture of kindness of inestimable value in the very first moments of life.
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