Can you donate breastmilk if you have high lipase?

Understanding High Lipase in Breast Milk
High lipase levels in breast milk can lead to significant challenges for breastfeeding mothers, particularly when it comes to storing and feeding expressed milk. Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fats in milk, but when present in high amounts, it can alter the taste and smell of stored milk, often giving it a soapy or metallic flavor. This change can result in babies refusing to drink the milk, causing distress for mothers who have worked hard to pump and store it.
Can You Donate Breast Milk with High Lipase?
The question of whether mothers with high lipase milk can donate their breast milk is nuanced. Generally, milk banks have strict guidelines regarding the quality and safety of donated milk. While high lipase itself is not harmful and does not pose a health risk to infants, the altered taste and smell can be problematic. Many babies may reject milk that has developed these characteristics, which raises concerns about the usability of such milk for donation.
However, some milk banks may accept donations from mothers with high lipase milk, especially if the milk is otherwise healthy and the mother is able to provide a clear explanation of the condition. It’s essential for potential donors to communicate openly with the milk bank about their situation. For instance, the Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin encourages mothers to reach out with any questions regarding their milk’s quality, including concerns about lipase levels.
What Should Mothers Do?
For mothers who suspect they have high lipase milk, there are several strategies to manage the situation. One common approach is to scald the milk before storing it. This process involves heating the milk to a temperature that deactivates the lipase enzyme, which can help preserve the milk’s taste and prevent it from developing off-flavors.
Additionally, mothers can experiment with different storage methods or consult with lactation experts for personalized advice. Resources like Eats on Feets provide community support for mothers looking to share their milk, which can be an alternative if formal donation isn’t feasible.
Conclusion
In summary, while high lipase levels in breast milk can complicate feeding and storage, they do not necessarily disqualify a mother from donating her milk. Open communication with milk banks and exploring alternative solutions can help mothers navigate this challenge. Ultimately, the goal remains to ensure that all infants receive safe and nutritious milk, whether through direct feeding or donation.

What do they test for when you donate breast milk?

Also the labs must be done at least eight days after the procedure. In addition, milk banks serologically screen potential donors for HIV-1, HIV-2, human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B surface antigen and syphilis no more than six months prior to the first donation.

Does freeze drying breast milk remove high lipase?

Freeze-drying your breast milk with Leche is an effective way to neutralize the lipase enzyme with 90% efficacy while still preserving the other beneficial components of the milk.

Who should not donate milk?

You should never donate breast milk if any of the following applies: You have ever tested positive for HTLV, Hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. You have not been tested yet but think you might have HTLV, Hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. You are HIV positive.

Can high lipase milk be donated?

Secondly, some moms’ milk smells like it has excess lipase in it, yet it can be remedied when mom stops taking Omega 3 supplements. If your milk truly has excess lipase, while your idea to donate your milk is a wonderful one, there is a chance your babies might actually still take your milk.

What are the requirements for donating breast milk?

Who Can Donate Breast Milk?

• Be in general good health.
• Undergo a free blood test.
• Provide at least 200 ounces of breast milk within a 6-month period.

What to do with high lipase breast milk?

Mixing half stored milk with half freshly pumped or expressed milk might satisfy your baby since the soapy or metallic taste will be less strong. Scald your pumped milk. Scalding your breast milk might reduce the flavor and smell changes associated with high lipase breast milk.

Can you get a tax write-off for donating breast milk?

Is my donation tax-deductible? The IRS does not allow a deduction for any kind of human tissue. You can deduct the cost of your breast pump and bags if you purchased them yourself.

How can I lower my lipase level quickly?

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 disqualifies you from donating breast milk?

You may be disqualified from donating breast milk if you: Have or are being treated for HIV, HTLV (human T-cell leukemia virus), hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have a sexual partner who is at risk for HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have used recreational drugs within the last year.

What happens when lipase breaks down milk?

In this investigation, an alkaline solution of milk, lipase and phenolphthalein will change from pink to colourless as the fat in milk is broken down to form fatty acids (and glycerol) thus reducing the pH to below 8.3. The time taken for this reaction to occur is affected by temperature.