Alternatives usage for your breast milk...

Hehehe... I have always knew breast milk (BM) has other usage than to feed our dear babies... Anyway, I had a little minor accident just half an hour ago (accidentally cut my finger while cutting mangoes) I washed off the blood that starts to trickle down my finger and I was at the verge of panicking and then I just hand-express some BM onto my finger - right there in the kitchen... of course, no one was around then, that's why I dared to do that! :P

Anyway, after a few seconds, I noticed the blood stops and starts to congeal, so I wash my finger and voila! The wound is sealed off already! I think I must have bleed quite abit as some of the mangoes pieces are red with my blood.. :(

So here I am, surfing the Net to look up for what other websites are saying about the oh-so-good BM...

Alternative uses for breastmilk
There are many alternative and unusual ways to use breastmilk although not everyone knows it! Aside from just breastfeeding your baby with it, because breastmilk is sterile and has antibacterial, antiseptic and healing properties, it can be used in a variety of ways.

Breastmilk can be used to treat:

* Pink Eye/ Conjunctivitis - Drip a few drops of expressed breastmilk into the affected eyes. This often cures the condition within a very short time and can sometimes mean antibiotic eye drops can be avoided. (Of course, seek advice from your gp if the eyes don't begin to clear up with a day or so.)

* Nappy Rash - Using a cotton pad soaked in expressed breastmilk, pat the affected area and allow to dry before replacing the baby's nappy.

* Blocked Nose - If your baby has dried, hard mucus in his/ her nose it can make breastfeeding difficult as the baby's breathing is affected. Either drip one or two drops into the baby's nose from a little nasal dropper or from a cotton wool ball soaked in breastmilk. It is best to do this whilst the baby is feeding as he or she will inhale the milk. Only do one nostril at a time and don't put more than a drop or two of milk into the nostril or the baby will choke. After inhaling the breastmilk the baby often sneezes the softened and moistened mucus out and the nose should be clear again!

* Spots - Dab a little breastmilk on your own spots and allow to dry before applying makeup. Best done at night after washing and drying your face/ body.

* Cracked/ Sore Nipples - Breastfeeding mothers sometimes complain about sore or cracked nipples in the early days of breastfeeding. Very often this is caused by the baby being incorrectly positioned on the breast and once the position is corrected the problem no longer exists. However, in the meantime, after each breastfeed gently express a little breastmilk and smooth it around the sore area. Let it dry before replacing your nursing pad or bra. Doing this after every breastfeed is often an effective treatment and replaces the need for nipple creams!

* Chapped Lips - If you are suffering from dry, chapped lips gently rub a little breastmilk on them several times a day and before too long your lips will be soft and luscious once again!

* Sore Throats/ Mouth Ulcers - If your baby has a sore throat, breastmilk will help get rid of the problem. For older children who are no longer breastfeeding, you can express some breastmilk into a cup and let them drink it until the problem clears up. (I actually did this 2 weeks ago. Was having this mouth ulcer that just refused to heal until I dab some of my BM on it! No kidding... )

* Scratches and Burns - Breastmilk can aid the healing process and provide some relief from the discomfort of burns and scratches. It is particularly effective when applied to the little scratches newborn babies sometimes cause to themselves with their little sharp papery nails! Apply it carefully using a cotton pad and allow to dry. Reapply regularly. (I did this on Ben back when he was 1 mth old when he used to scratch his own face with his fingers - I trimmed his fingernails but he somehow is able to scratch his own face!)

* Cleanser - Believe it or not breastmilk can be used as a cleanser and can even remove stubborn make-up! Just dip a cotton pad in some expressed breastmilk and wipe it over your face.

* Eczema/ Skin Rashes - Breastmilk can help bring some relief from conditions such as eczema and can also alleviate itching that accompanies urticaria (hives) and chickenpox.

* Ear Infections - If your baby or child has a suspected ear infection, dripping some breastmilk into the ear can help to aid the healing process. If the pain is severe you should see a doctor as you may need to use an antibiotic but breastmilk will help to start things off.

* Insect Bites - Rub some breastmilk into the area and allow to dry. It will help stop any itching and also provide antiseptic protection.

* Contact Lens Solution - Because it is sterile, breastmilk can be used to cleanse dry contact lenses in an emergency.

* Donation - Breastmilk can save premature babies' lives. It is much easier for them to digest than formula and it also gives them the immunity boost they so desperately need.

Now if only BM can kill off those H1N1 viruses!! Wouldn't that be great???? :D