We all know that breastmilk is liquid gold. There is a never ending list of all the benefits and scientists are still discovering more beneficial properties! Breastmilk meets all of the baby’s requirements.
But what happens when a mom is told to pump and dump? Pump and dump means the mom has to pump her breasts then discard her breastmilk. If moms cannot give their breastmilk for a variety of reasons, they still must pump in order to maintain their milk supply and prevent engorgement but must then throw away that milk. Some moms pump and dump because they may be on a certain drug or medication that is contraindicated with breastfeeding, they’ve drank too much alcohol, or other reasons. Although moms pump and dump after drinking alcohol, it’s actually not necessary as alcohol typically leaves your system within 1-2 hours. To be safe, it’s recommended to breastfeed, then have your drink, then within the next 2-3 hours your baby will be ready for the next feeding and it should be out of your system. If you’re safe enough to drive, you’re safe enough to breastfeed.
Some moms may need to discard their milk because its gone “bad” or mom thawed her frozen breastmilk then forgot about it and now she can’t give it to the baby. Rather than just throw it away, why not use breastmilk for other reasons.
Here are 10 things to do with breastmilk besides feeding it to your baby:
1.Pink Eye: Breastmilk contains immunological agents, and antibacterial compounds that help clean and sterilize the bacteria.
2. Skin issues: Breastmilk acts as a moisturizer and helps with eczema, dry skin, itchiness, diaper rash and even chicken pox.
3. Treating sore nipples: The moisturizing component as well as antibacterial compounds help with sore, cracked nipples
4. Eases cold/flu symptoms: Since breastmilk has immunological agents and helps boost immunity, give breastmilk to yourself or older children (obviously not the infant since this is the reason why you’re dumping it). Older children’s bodies are more developed and they’re able to metabolize and filter out any contaminants or drugs found in the breastmilk.
5. Make up removal: Breastmilk naturally and easily removes eye make-up and leaves your skin nourished
6. Facial cleanser: Breastmilk contains proteins, lactic acid, vitamin A, all which help cleanse and soften skin
7. Milk bath: Bathe your baby in breastmilk and water – the moisturizing components can help moisturize and nourish the baby
8. Sexual lubricant: Use it just like you would other lubricants
9. Cuts, burns, sunburns: The healing and moisturizing agents will aid in healing and recovering
10. Cooking: I know this sounds gross and weird but why? We easily drink breastmilk from a whole other species like cow milk, or goat milk. But why is it weird to drink human breastmilk when it’s designed specifically for us. Try putting it in smoothies, cereal, coffee creamer, and really any recipe that calls for milk.
If you’re hesitant about whether you should discard your breastmilk, check out these resources:
Infant risk – http://www.infantrisk.com/
Dr. Thomas Hale book – Medication and the Breastfeeding Mother
Medications and the Breastfeeding Mother – http://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0701/p119.html
Lactmed – https://www.nlm.nih.gov/news/lactmed_announce_06.html
Photo credit: Alexa Kiel Photography and Natalie Edmundson Photography
