You did WHAT with Breast Milk?

I put it in my eye.

Yes, that’s right.  I thawed some, found a medicine dropper and squirted it right in my eye.

Here’s the story: Last week I was battling pink eye. Just so happens that one advantage of lamenting your woes on Facebook is that usually someone has a good idea.  In my case, a friend who figured I was still breastfeeding knew that breast milk has properties purported to cure conjunctivitis! So, desperate to have the redness, puffiness, and pain go away — I tried it.

I’d like to say it was a magic cure and looked better the next day. But, honestly, it didn’t happen that way. I broke down and went the antibiotics route for, seemingly, quicker healing.  But, through this experience I learned a lot about the alternative uses for breast milk.  I’ve spent 42 months (yes, 3 and 1/2 years) breastfeeding and, though I consider myself to be “up” on natural cures and alternatives to traditional medicines — apparently I MISSED THE BOAT on this one!

When I asked my fellow contributors, I found out that many of them were using breast milk for lots of other purposes.  In addition to fighting eye infections like pink eye, they’ve used it for infant acne, cuts, scrapes and even stuffy noses. Breast milk is packed with immunological agents that fight bacteria, viruses and parasites.  Some even claim it can be used to cure certain diseases or help those who have organ transplants heal faster.

There are lots of alternative uses out there — so, if you are in the dark like I was, here’s a quick overview of some of them:

1. Diaper Rash: Squirt on and let air dry.  One of my fellow contributors says it works!
2. Cradle Cap: This is a huge problem at our house. You use the breast milk just like you would use olive or baby oil.  Rub it on, then comb out the flaking skin.
3. Ear (and Eye) Infections:  A few drops in each infected ear or eye every few hours according to google’s top picks.  Still takes 1-2 days to clear up but better than antibiotics, apparently.  The anti-bacterial components in breast milk, specifically “secretory IgA antibodies” help kill the bacterial infection. I have tried this but it is difficult to document that it actually worked.
4. Insect bites, cuts & scrapes: Use as an antiseptic – breast milk removes the itch and sting and guards against infection.  Put it on then bandage it up!
5. Stuffy noses:  A few drops up a babies nose when you hear the sniffles coming on is supposed to help fight it away.  Also useful for sinus infections.
6. Infant acne and eczema:  Rub in and allow to dry.  Along with healing power it is said to have a soothing effect.
7. Cracked, dry nipples:  New to breastfeeding and suffering? Out of Lanolin? Try using breast milk.  Rub it in and let it dry.  Some women swear it works well!
8. Clogged tear ducts: Squirt the breast milk on the clogged duct.  One internet author said she does this regularly and it is very effective.
9. Ice cream.  You’ve gotta be kidding, right?  It never truly took off as a marketable product but in February of 2011 a London store decided to blend some breast milk with a few other (dare I say yummier sounding) ingredients and sell it as ice cream to customers looking for an immunity boost.  For the low, low, price of about $23 American, you were able to get a martini glass filled with the stuff.  The government shut them down declaring consumption of other’s bodily fluids a health hazard.  Yes, I kinda agree.  When you put it that way it does sound pretty gross.  But, one site recommended using breast milk as a substitute for dairy – period.  Frozen breast milk pops, cheese, butter, you name it.  If you aren’t grossed out — the site also had a link to ideas for “cooking with colostrum.”  I’m so not ready for that. Although, one commenter on the site referred to traditional milk drinkers as “bovine breast milk consumers.”  Good point, I suppose.
10. And, last (and I think least) — Make Up Removal: What? Apparently if you’ve got milk to spare you can skip the skin products aisle at Target and use breast milk to get the make-up off your skin, leaving it moist and refreshed.

All, in all, you can see, breast milk is truly amazing! That’s why – if you’ve got extra – there’s no need to throw it away.  You can donate it!  I’ve heard that some hospitals have their own donation programs, but here’s a program with donation spots all over the big D.  Some moms who can’t breastfeed or run short of supply turn to milk banks.  Especially in cases when a mom has a low birth weight or premature infant — these milk banks are, literal, life savers.  One of the largest around is the Texas Milk Bank and if you explore this link you can find out exactly how and where to donate your leftovers.

I guess I better get pumping!

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done with breast milk?  Have you ever tasted it?