We all know by now that when it comes to feeding your baby, nothing comes close to breast milk – it is literally food tailor-made by your body for your baby.
Science has also revealed that breastfeeding also holds many health benefits for you too, mum, from bonding with your baby to decreasing your risk of certain cancers.
And it doesn't end there.
Breast milk actually has way more uses – many of which you might not even have heard of before.
Prepare to be amazed at the fact that your body can actually produce these wonderous drops:
1. Clear up acneScientists have discovered thatlauric acid, a component of breast milk, has antibacterial, acne-fighting qualities.
What this means, is that breast milk can actually help with breakouts. Simply, using a cotton ball, dab some breast milk on your face, then letting it air dry. Some people go even further, and wash their faces with breast milk to prevent future breakouts.If you want to try it, first wash your face with clear water, wash again with breast milk, and wipe it away with a clean towel.2. Treats dry skin and eczema
This was my health nurse's tip for when my youngest baby developed a little bit of eczema behind her knees and in the crease of her chubby little elbows. All I needed to do, she said, was to dab some breast milk onto the areas where the skin was dry, ideally after a bath, and let it air dry. Voila – the skin healed almost straight away.
Some people even swear by breast milk baths if their babies suffer from dry skin. Simply add some breast milk into their bathwater, and watch the magic happen.
Tip: This will work wonders for your own skin too, mama – especially if it is feeling a little bit dry and sensitive.
3. Soothe teething pain
Another one of those great nuggets of suggestions from my local health nurse when I had my first baby in Norway.
When my little girl started teething at just three-four months, the health nurse suggested I express some breast milk and freeze it into popsicle moulds – for her to chew on when her poor little gums were hurting.
And it worked a charm. So much so, that I tip every mum I know about this when I hear their baby has reached teething age!
4. Heal painful nappy rash
Breast milk is actually a completely natural antiseptic, meaning it will work wonders on any cuts and broken or irritated, sore skin. You can use it directly on your baby's little bum, of course, or you can opt to turn it into a so-called breast milk balm, which can be used for numerous skin issues, from bug bites to heat rash or sunburned skin.
Pinterest will yield lots of recipes for how to DIY one for yourself, but here is a great recipe to get you started.
5. Make soap with it
No, really – you can actually make a gorgeous natural soap that the whole family can use – using your pumped breast milk. Again, you'll find a whole range of recipes on Pinterest, and you can experiment with essential oils and different herbs until you find the perfect one. Bonus? No single-use plastic, no nasty ingredients and super-nourishing for your skin.
