Miraculous Uses of Breast Milk Beyond Just Nutrition

Breast milk is not just a complete and perfect source of nutrition for babies  it actually has amazing healing and therapeutic properties that most parents don't even know about. Borrowing from the wisdom of my mother and things I have had to do to (sometimes literally) nurse up my siblings, I bring you eight amazing alternative uses for breast milk that don’t involve baby.

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     1. Remedy for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Breast milk has natural antibodies and is antimicrobial, which can aid in healing conjunctivitis. It also has the added benefit of being a natural antibiotic, and a few drops in the affected eye two to three times a day can help eliminate the infection and even the redness associated with it.

Real-life example: A study published in the Journal of Tropical Pediatrics found breast milk as effective as antibiotic eye drops in cases of mild neonatal conjunctivitis.
Source: PubMed – PMID 15677396

     2. Eczema Relief

Breast milk can serve as a natural treatment for eczema due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Dab it gently with a clean cloth or pour a little in bath water to ease problematic skin.

Real-life example: A 2015 study in the International Journal of Dermatology found that topical breast milk was as effective as 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of mild to moderate eczema in infants.
Source: PubMed – PMID 25708927

     3. Cold and Nasal Congestion Relief

To help relieve the symptoms of a cold, use a saline rinse to clear your child’s nostrils as the first line of defense. Then, using a clean syringe or dropper, squirt a few drops of breast milk into each nostril. Its immune-boosting properties can help to ward off minor infections.

     4. Baby Acne Treatment

Newborn acne is common and typically resolves on its own, but breast milk can help speed up healing. Dab it straight onto the affected area with a cotton pad, or add it to the baby’s bath for extra relief.

     5. Healing Cracked Nipples

Breastfeeding moms can apply breast milk to cracked or sore nipples to help heal them. Just shake a few drops out and let it air-dry on the skin. This promotes healing thanks to its antibacterial and skin-repairing properties.

     6. Teething Pain Relief

Teething is the worst nightmare for baby and mama. This soothing trick was introduced to me by my mother: soak a clean cotton cloth in breast milk, wrap it in a knot, and freeze for 1–2 hours. Let your baby chew on it to soothe gum pain — the natural teething remedy that’s safe and relaxing.

     7. Diaper Rash Treatment

Breast milk may also heal diaper rash and provide a natural alternative to over-the-counter ointments. Douse a compress and lay it directly on the troubled area or mix it into your baby’s bath water for all-over skin soothing.
Real-life example: A study in Pediatric Dermatology found breast milk to be an effective, safe, and convenient home remedy for diaper dermatitis.
Source: PubMed – PMID 19309371

     8. Umbilical Cord Care

Applying a small amount of breast milk to the infant's umbilical stump can help protect against infection and promote healing. This method is practiced in numerous cultures and is assisted by the natural antibacterial particles in milk.
Real-life example: A 2013 Iranian clinical trial demonstrated that breast milk was more effective than ethanol in treating umbilical cord stumps.
Source: International Journal of Pediatrics

More Than Just Nutrition

Breast milk, a powerful natural resource, contains numerous protective and immune factors that impact the health of breastfed infants well into adulthood. From treating minor ailments to restoring balance and well-being, it is traditionally used to harness the healing power of nature and bring calm into an often frantic-paced lifestyle.

My mother’s wisdom has withstood the test of time and family experience, and drop after drop, its value becomes evident to this day.