Can babies drink milk with high lipase?

Understanding High Lipase Milk and Its Impact on Babies
When it comes to infant nutrition, breast milk is often hailed as the gold standard. However, some mothers may encounter a condition known as high lipase milk, which can complicate feeding. This condition occurs when there is an excess of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fats in milk. While high lipase levels are not inherently harmful, they can affect the taste and smell of stored breast milk, potentially leading to feeding issues for babies.
What is High Lipase Milk?
High lipase milk is characterized by a soapy or metallic smell and taste, which can develop when breast milk is stored, particularly after being frozen or refrigerated. This change in flavor can cause some babies to refuse the milk, as they may find it unpalatable. The presence of high lipase is not uncommon; many mothers may not even realize they have it until their baby shows signs of rejection towards pumped milk.
Is It Safe for Babies?
The primary concern with high lipase milk is not safety but rather acceptance. Experts agree that milk with high lipase is safe for babies to consume, as the lipase itself does not pose any health risks. However, the altered taste can lead to feeding difficulties. If a baby refuses to drink milk that has a strong soapy or metallic flavor, it can be distressing for both the infant and the mother.
Managing High Lipase Milk
For mothers who suspect they have high lipase milk, there are several strategies to encourage their babies to drink it. One effective method is to scald the milk before storing it. This process involves heating the milk to just below boiling, which deactivates the lipase enzyme and helps preserve the milk’s original flavor. Additionally, some mothers have found success in mixing high lipase milk with fresh milk to mask the taste.
If a baby continues to refuse high lipase milk, it may be beneficial to explore other feeding options, such as using different bottles or nipples that might be more appealing to the baby.
Conclusion
In summary, while high lipase milk is safe for babies, its altered taste can lead to feeding challenges. Mothers facing this issue can take proactive steps to manage the situation, ensuring their little ones receive the nutrition they need without unnecessary stress. Understanding and addressing high lipase milk can help maintain a positive breastfeeding experience, even when complications arise.

Can my baby drink 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.

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.

Can you sell breast milk with high lipase?

Yes! We will happily accept your high lipase milk, as will our recipient babies. Lipase is destroyed during our pasteurization process.

How does lipase affect milk?

The total lipase activity in raw milk is sufficient to cause rapid hydrolysis of a large proportion of the fat. However, in reality this does not happen, because the lipase is prevented from accessing the fat by the milkfat globule membrane. Physical damage to this membrane in raw milk initiates lipolysis.

Does freezing milk immediately reduce lipase?

Milk must be scalded before freezing, as lipase is still active even at low temperatures. Unfortunately, many women find out that they have excess lipase after establishing a freezer stash and finding that their baby won’t take any of it.

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.

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.

How to get rid of high lipase milk?

How Do I Get Rid of High Lipase In Breastmilk? The only way to eliminate high lipase levels in breastmilk — and stop that off-smell and taste from developing — is to scald it. Lipase can be destroyed at high temperatures, so you’ll need to heat your milk to preserve it.

What happens if lipase is too high?

Higher than normal levels of lipase mean that you have a problem with your pancreas. If your blood has 3 to 10 times the normal level of lipase, then it’s likely that you have acute pancreatitis. High lipase levels also mean you may have kidney failure, cirrhosis, or a bowel problem.

How long does lipase stay in breastmilk?

If you do have excess lipase activity in your breast milk, you might notice a difference in its smell and taste about 12 to 14 hours after pumping and storing, although others might not notice changes until days later. Some possible changes include: Milk that has a soapy smell or taste.