The composition of your breast milk is unique and changes according to your child's needs. But did you know that breast milk is valuable in many other ways? Antiseptic, healing, and regenerating, it can be used in cosmetics, on everyday ailments, and even to relieve diaper rash. So, to make sure you don't waste a drop, let's explore the many uses of maternal white gold together.
Breast milk, an exceptional composition
Breast milk is a unique biological creation , specially adapted to meet the nutritional and immunological needs of the infant throughout the first months of life. Magically, its composition changes over the weeks (and feedings) to adjust to the baby's growth and development.
Initially colostrum, rich in proteins and antibodies in the early days of postpartum, it becomes transitional milk and then mature milk , around two weeks after delivery. It then reaches a stable composition, adapted to the baby's continued growth.
Its nutrients and their role in baby's growth
- Mainly in the form of lactose, carbohydrates are an essential source of energy that promotes brain development .
- Lipids , which make up about 4% of the total weight of breast milk, are beneficial to the nervous system and necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins . Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), play a crucial role in brain and retinal development.
- Proteins , especially whey and casein, support infant muscle growth.
- Finally, breast milk provides essential micronutrients , vitamins A, D, E, K and minerals, calcium and iron, necessary for the good health of your child.
Its 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 well-being of the infant.
Antibodies , immunoglobulins (IgA), protect babies against infections . Probiotics , these beneficial bacteria for the intestine, promote the health of their intestinal flora .
Finally, breast milk contains many stem cells , called 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 nutritional benefits.
Colostrum as the first natural vaccine
Thanks to the antibodies it contains, colostrum strengthens the newborn's immune system and protects them against the first infections they may encounter, now that they are no longer protected in their mother's womb. This is one of the reasons why it is also called "liquid gold."
Breast milk against minor eye infections
Due to its antibacterial properties, breast milk can be used to soothe some minor eye infections, such as conjunctivitis , which is common in children. To try this, wash your hands thoroughly and fill a clean eyedropper with a few drops of milk to instill into the corner of the eye 3 to 4 times a day. You can also soak a sterile gauze pad and wipe it over your baby's eyes.
Therapeutic, digestive and respiratory applications
Breast milk is rich in immunoglobulins that protect the infant's intestinal and respiratory mucosa. It also contains natural probiotics for a healthy microbiota, 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 care
Did you know? Rich in nutrients and antimicrobial agents, breast milk offers a gentle alternative to naturally nourish, moisturize, soothe, and regenerate the skin.
Caring for baby's skin: eczema, diaper rash and cradle cap
For eczema, gently massage a small amount of milk onto the patches until absorbed. This will help soothe the dryness of sensitive skin. For mild diaper rash, simply moisturize your baby's bottom with milk during diaper changes. The same process can be repeated on the scalp to remove 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 skincare products, such as your day cream to fight acne, or your moisturizer to reduce stretch marks . You can also use it directly as a makeup remover with a cotton pad, or as a moisturizer to calm minor inflammations and promote healing, especially on your nipples in case of chapped and cracked skin.
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? Sustainable, eco-friendly, and good for the whole family, this DIY is also very simple to make.
- Mix 100 ml of breast milk with 100 g of Marseille soap flakes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Melt the mixture over low heat or in a bain-marie.
- Pour into silicone molds and let dry in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours before unmolding.
Note that a glass of milk in your bath water makes your skin soft, and 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
A US study has identified a specific microRNA, miR-375-3p, whose concentration gradually increases in breast milk during lactation. Infants who consume it in large quantities have a reduced risk of developing allergies , including eczema , food allergies and asthma .
Furthermore, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) also show promise in allergy prevention.
Finally, in the event of an insect bite, particularly during mosquito season, try applying milk drops (anti-inflammatory and antiseptic) directly to the spot to reduce itching and speed up healing .
Ear, nose and throat care
Ear infection, stuffy 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 is important to consult your doctor or pediatrician first to obtain the advice and treatments best suited to your baby's health.
Use, storage and freezing and thawing of breast milk
As you've read, breast milk can be used in many ways—for your baby, for you, on a daily basis, and even in certain special cases. It's a precious and ephemeral resource, so you must learn to preserve it properly.
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What breast milk should I use?
- If your milk is near its expiration date , use it for skin care (eczema, diaper rash) or to make homemade soaps.
- Turn unwanted stored milk into cosmetics, or use it to soothe minor irritations and bites.
- Store your excess milk supply for future use, even after you stop breastfeeding.
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How to store breast milk?
- Breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days at a temperature of 4°C .
- To store it for longer, use freezer-safe bags or bottles. Label each container with the expression date. This way, the 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 storage bag provided for this purpose or an Élhée bottle made of medical silicone made airtight thanks to its seal .
- Prepare small doses of about 60 to 120 ml and leave a little margin at the top to allow for the milk to expand when freezing.
- Place your doses of milk at the very bottom of the containers , where the cold is most stable, and as far as possible from the door , always to avoid temperature variations, even rapid ones.
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- Transfer your milk from the freezer to the refrigerator for about 12 hours , or place your container under warm running 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.
Breast pumping: a valuable solution
To continue breastfeeding despite returning to work or to quickly build up a milk reserve , the breastfeeding pump is a valuable solution . It allows you to continue breastfeeding even in your absence, and with complete peace of mind.
Depending on your needs, you can choose a manual or electric breast pump , adapted to your rhythm and habits. The collected milk can then be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
By the way, did you know? Élhée bottles are 100% compatible with breastfeeding pumps , firstly because the medical silicone from which they are made is very freezer-safe, and secondly because they have adapter rings for use with certain breast pumps from the brands Avent, Medela, Spectra and Ardo.
Milk Donation: Sharing Your Treasure with Other Babies
Donating your milk is a generous and supportive act of infinite kindness . If your lactation allows it, go to the milk bank nearest you to find out how to share your milk with the most fragile newborns; premature babies , hospitalized babies or those whose mother is unable to breastfeed.
You collect your breast milk in the comfort of your own home before collecting it and mixing it with milk from other donors, ensuring a perfectly balanced composition.
It will then be pasteurized and distributed to hospitals and maternity wards that request it, and then to families upon medical prescription. A gesture of kindness of inestimable value in the very first moments of life.
The Élhée silicone baby bottle has an anti-colic valve designed to reduce the absorption of air by babies.
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