Cooking with Breastmilk
Cooking with breastmilk doesn’t require a degree in culinary. Don’t let the term “breastmilk” throw you off your cooking game when considering how to use it. You could simply use what is leftover in the freezer or pump fresh for a specific recipe. There is no trip to the store required. The most straightforward way to use your milk would be by replacing the milk in any recipe -nut or otherwise-with your breastmilk. Do not throw away your remaining milk from the freezer. Get creative! The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of 2 years. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 1 year with both arguments that it is a preferential decision and no expiration of health benefits. Just to reiterate, the healthy milk you are successfully making, feeding, pumping, storing, using, etc. today doesn’t become incompetent on those milestones. These experts would like to see to it that all babies receive a minimum of this amount of time receiving breastmilk for health purposes. Questions I am Asked Frequently It’s absolutely normal to feel unsure of something foreign and have many questions. While pregnant, we spend the bulk of our time learning how the watermelon-sized baby will make it through the birth canal. We are not thinking too far ahead into the future of sustaining the little one. Definitely not considering what to do with the extra breastmilk in the freezer. It is common to question what to do with your breastmilk, besides the obvious. Consider a few of these: What do I do with my frozen milk if I have no need for it? Isn’t breastmilk for babies-not toddlers? Shouldn’t we run out of milk when the baby no longer needs it? My freezer is full of breastmilk, and my baby has weaned- how do I discard it? What is the benefit of human milk in recipes? Wouldn’t the nutritional benefits be gone after 1 year? How do I get my toddler to drink my frozen milk? And many more questions! Waste Not Want Not When your breastfeeding journey began, I am quite sure you never anticipated a freezer full of your milk a year later. Although that may have been a dream! In the beginning, some moms work overtime to make a stash of “back-up” milk for fear of running out before the baby is the age she planned to wean. If you are a full-time working mother or exclusive pumper or someone who effortlessly can produce copious amounts, you can find these recipes helpful. Even if you’re not a pumper, put some of these recipes in front of a toddler and watch them chow down. I know that sounds like a long time and a lot of work, but just because you stop pumping or feeding at the breast doesn’t mean you can’t keep giving a dose of “breastmilk antibodies” every day. This can give the little one a chance to fight off germs a little longer. Health Purposes As you are probably aware from my previous blog regarding the uses of breastmilk, the health benefits of this incredible liquid are not only good for the infant. The antibodies in your milk can heal many things, including sick people. Although, in my experience, feeding any ill family member human milk with their knowledge was met with fear and trepidation. I typically make smoothies or shakes and use the same recipe I know said person enjoys, then add a few ounces of breastmilk. No one knows the difference. It can be convenient to share your extra milk with an older sibling whenever possible too. We know children can be germ magnets, and this is a practical, proactive way to help you both. If you don’t usually give any milk to your older child, you may need to hide it in something. On the other hand, if you are giving the toddler cups or bottles of cows milk anyway, why not give what you make for free? The kiddo gets the needed calories and fights off germs at the same time. 8 Cooking with Breastmilk Tips Always use safe practices when storing, defrosting, warming, and feeding breastmilk. Reheating the milk can sometimes change the smell, but it is safe to use. When measuring breastmilk to replace cows milk, keep in mind that it contains less fat and may affect the consistency of the recipe. Thawed breastmilk cannot be refrozen. If needed, you can bring cold breastmilk to room temperature by putting in a warm bowl of water. Sterilize all the equipment used to cook with. Using frozen breastmilk is fine. Never use the microwave for any breastmilk recipes. Easy Recipes Popsicles-super simple to pour your milk into ice cube trays and place a pacifier or bottle nipple (if using) on top to freeze. Or put frozen ice cubes into a mesh teething bag. For a twist on this favorite, make a smoothie (keep reading), then freeze in the popsicle tray. Pancakes– make your favorite pancake recipe and replace the milk with your own. Even Bisquick, Aunt Jemima, etc. would work. Custard or pudding– you can always use your favorite go-to, including boxed jello. Just replace the milk with yours and adjust for more fat consistency. Here’s a popular recipe I use: 3oz breastmilk, 1/2c yogurt or healthy fat (coconut meat is excellent), 2 TBS chia seeds, 1c cherry chia jam (or whatever you like). Mix the 1st 3 ingredients and leave overnight. When ready to eat, layer with jam and serve. Sure to win a toddler. Add your milk to cereal-if you give your baby cereal of any type (baby food or otherwise), there would be no reason not to add your milk instead. Mashed sweet potato soup– tasty and easy. You could change the seasonings; however, you desire. 1.5c of cooked, mashed sweet potatoes, 5oz breastmilk, 1/4c applesauce (consistency), 2 tsp olive oil, cinnamon. Mix all together over low heat until desired consistency. Avocado puree-so simple for any age! Mash 1 ripe avocado with 1/2c breastmilk or until desired consistency. Feel free to add
