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Can babies drink high lipase milk?

Understanding High Lipase Milk and Its Impact on Babies
High lipase milk is a term that refers to breast milk with elevated levels of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fats. While lipase is a natural component of breast milk, excessive amounts can alter the milk’s taste and smell, potentially leading to feeding challenges for infants.
What is High Lipase Milk?
When breast milk is expressed and stored, it can sometimes develop a soapy or metallic odor due to the breakdown of fats by lipase. This change can occur particularly in milk that has been frozen or refrigerated for an extended period. For some babies, this altered taste may be unappealing, causing them to refuse the milk altogether.
Is High Lipase Milk Safe for Babies?
Yes, high lipase milk is generally safe for babies to consume. The presence of high lipase does not indicate that the milk is spoiled or harmful. However, the sensory changes in the milk can lead to feeding difficulties. If a baby refuses to drink milk that has a strong soapy smell, it can be distressing for both the infant and the breastfeeding parent.
What Can Parents Do?
If a parent suspects that their milk has high lipase levels, there are several strategies to encourage their baby to drink it. One common approach is to scald the milk before storing it. This process involves heating the milk to just below boiling, which inactivates the lipase enzyme and helps preserve the milk’s original flavor.
Additionally, parents can experiment with different feeding methods, such as using a different bottle or nipple, to see if their baby is more receptive to the milk.
Conclusion
In summary, while high lipase milk can pose challenges due to its altered taste and smell, it remains safe for babies to drink. Parents facing difficulties with their baby refusing high lipase milk can take proactive steps to manage the situation, ensuring that their little ones receive the nourishment they need. Understanding and addressing high lipase milk can help maintain a positive breastfeeding experience, even when faced with unexpected hurdles.

Can I feed my baby high lipase milk?

WHAT CAN I do about it? First thing’s first, having high lipase milk does not mean your milk is “bad”! Some babies take high lipase milk without thought. Yes, it is perfectly safe for babies to drink high lipase milk.

How to tell the difference between high lipase milk and spoiled milk?

You can tell if yours has it by smelling and/or tasting it. If it’s soapy or sour, it has high lipase. I also tasted a tiny bit of my frozen milk next to a tiny bit of fresh, and the flavor difference was super obvious.

Can you take too much lipase?

Precautions. Side effects may include nausea and stomach upset. High doses of lipase may exacerbate symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Scientists do not know enough about the effects of lipase during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so speak with your doctor before taking lipase.

What does lipase do for babies?

Lipase is an important enzyme that helps your baby break down breast milk so that they can digest and absorb the essential nutrients contained in it. Everyone produces lipase. This enzyme is normally produced in the pancreas but has also been found in the digestive tract of newborn babies.

How to bring lipase levels down?

How to lower lipase levels

  1. intravenous fluids.
  2. medications to manage pain.
  3. not eating for a recommended period and then starting a bland diet.

What happens if a baby drinks bad breast milk?

Can babies get sick from old breast milk? If your baby has had spoiled breast milk, they’ll likely let you know. They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever. It’s important to call your pediatrician if you think your baby may be sick from having spoiled breast milk.

How to tell if milk is high in lipase?

You can’t see lipase, but changes in taste or smell can indicate its presence. The most notable signs of high lipase milk are changes in taste and smell. You might notice your milk having a scent or taste similar to metallic, vomit, eggs, soap, or fishy.

Is high lipase bad?

It’s normal to have a small amount of lipase in your blood. But if the cells of your pancreas are damaged, they will release larger amounts of lipase. So high levels of lipase in your blood may mean you have pancreatitis, (an inflamed, swollen pancreas) or another type of pancreatic disease.

What if baby drinks bad breast milk?

If your baby has had spoiled breast milk, they’ll likely let you know. They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever. It’s important to call your pediatrician if you think your baby may be sick from having spoiled breast milk.

Can you add vanilla to high lipase milk?

Try adding 1-2 drops of alcohol free vanilla extract! This can help mask the taste and smell.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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