What Is Breast Milk Jewelry and How Is it Made?

Whether you decide to breastfeed your baby or opt for formula, this early stage in their lives is one that goes by quickly. That said, there is a way you can remember this special time in both of your lives aside from photographs or memories—enter: breast milk jewelry. 

This modern-day type of jewelry, similar to umbilical cord jewelry, gives parents and caregivers a wearable and fashionable keepsake that they can either secure away safely or wear on special occasions. Regardless, it’s certainly worth learning more about if you’re looking for a special memento that’ll last a lifetime. 

To learn more about breast milk jewelry, we spoke with a lactation consultant and jewelry expert about the process of how to make breast milk jewelry, why one may want to have a piece, and where you can get it.

What Is Breast Milk Jewelry?

According to Demi Lucas, an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) with The Lactation Network, breast milk jewelry is a type of keepsake breastfeeding parents sometimes choose to invest in during or in celebration at the end of their breastfeeding journey. 

It’s similar to any other type of jewelry you may own, however, the only difference is that it contains breast milk preserves to serve as a reminder of this special chapter.

How Is Breast Milk Jewelry Made?

There are a few ways in which breast milk jewelry is generally made. Sarah Castillo, artist and owner of Keepsakes by Grace, says the most common and tried and true method is the heating method. 

“You heat the [breast] milk in a pan and mix in a special powder which causes a chemical reaction to occur and turns the milk into a paste,” says Castillo. “The paste is then spread onto parchment paper, dried, crushed into a fine powder, and mixed with epoxy or UV resin which can be styled in a number of ways.”

How To Make Your Own Breast Milk Jewelry

It is possible to make breast milk jewelry at home with the appropriate kit. “One would follow the same steps as the professional manufacturing process but in their own home to create the jewelry,” says Lucas. “DIY kits are also available on the market.” 

Some popular DIY breast milk jewelry kits include those from Milk + Honey, Love Catcher, Keepsake Mom, and Milky Treasures. These kits usually cost anywhere from $60 to $150 and many retailers sell the powder separately if that’s all you need. 

Ultimately, it is possible to learn how to make breast milk jewelry. However, you’re probably better off finding a small business that specializes in the process to take the hassle and stress out of it.

Popular styles to create

The most popular types of breast milk jewelry include rings, necklaces and earrings. Whether you decide to make your own jewelry at home or have a professional do it, you can generally choose the type of jewelry you want.

Some companies even will hold onto the preserved breast milk for future orders so you don’t have to go through the process of sending it again if you decide to order more pieces.

Caring for breast milk jewelry

After spending a few hundred dollars on breast milk jewelry, you’ll want to be sure to take proper care of it. 

“Avoid exposure to water, extreme heat, or prolonged exposure to the sun,” says Castillo. “Your keepsake isn’t going to fall apart on you, but it will just lose its shine if you don’t take the proper care.” 

Other best practices include avoiding exposure to chlorine, saltwater and hot water and wearing it only on special occasions, according to Lucas.