Can you scald breastmilk before freezing?

Can You Scald Breastmilk Before Freezing?
The question of whether you can scald breastmilk before freezing it is particularly relevant for breastfeeding mothers who may encounter issues with the taste of stored milk. Scalding breastmilk is a technique used primarily to address the problem of high lipase levels, which can cause the milk to develop a soapy or metallic taste over time. This can be concerning for mothers who want to ensure their babies enjoy the milk without any unpleasant flavors.
Understanding High Lipase
High lipase is a condition where the enzyme lipase, which helps break down fats, is present in greater than normal amounts in breastmilk. While this enzyme is beneficial for digestion, it can lead to undesirable changes in the milk’s flavor during storage. If a mother notices that her expressed milk has an off-putting taste, scalding it before freezing can be an effective solution. This process inactivates the lipase, preventing the development of those unwanted flavors.
The Scalding Process
Scalding breastmilk is relatively straightforward. It involves heating the milk to a temperature just below boiling, typically around 180°F (82°C), and then cooling it quickly before freezing. There are a couple of methods to achieve this:
1. Stovetop Method: Pour the expressed milk into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Stir gently and monitor the temperature closely until it reaches the desired level. Once scalded, the milk should be cooled rapidly by placing the saucepan in a bowl of ice water.
2. Bottle Warmer Method: Some mothers prefer using a bottle warmer, which can also effectively scald the milk. This method may be more convenient for those who have one readily available.
Freezing Scalded Milk
Once the breastmilk has been scalded and cooled, it can be safely transferred to storage containers and frozen. It’s important to label the containers with the date and time of expression to keep track of freshness. Frozen breastmilk can typically be stored for up to six months, although using it within three months is recommended for optimal quality.
Conclusion
In summary, scalding breastmilk before freezing is not only possible but also a recommended practice for mothers dealing with high lipase levels. This technique helps preserve the milk’s taste and ensures that it remains palatable for infants when thawed. By following proper scalding and storage methods, mothers can confidently provide their babies with nutritious and enjoyable breastmilk, even after it has been frozen.

Can babies drink high lipase breastmilk?

High lipase milk is just as nutritious and safe as any other breast milk. The only difference is in its taste and smell, which some babies might notice, leading them to refuse bottles, while others may not. There is no evidence to suggest that high lipase milk causes any digestive issues in babies.

Can I give my baby freezer burnt breast milk?

As for freezer burn – if it does happen to any of your bags – it doesn’t hurt the milk and baby can still drink it.

What is the best method for freezing breast milk?

You can use large silicone freezer bags, like Stasher bags, or large ziptop bags that are designed for the freezer. For long term storage (4-6+ months), we recommend transferring to a vacuum-sealed bag to keep the breast milk as fresh as possible.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

Is salty breast milk safe for babies?

No, it will never harm your baby. Some babies and children may refuse to breastfeed, but your breast milk will not harm them, and you don’t need to pump and dump or wait. If the salty taste is caused by mastitis, your breast milk will return to its usual taste as it resolves.

Does salty milk mean mastitis?

Mastitis may cause your breast milk to taste a little salty. Your baby may notice this slight change. But it does not last long. Breastfeeding may be too painful.

How to know if breast milk is spoiled?

Human breast milk can spoil just like any other kind of milk. This leads to a sharp, sour smell and flavor. There’s no way to save spoiled milk. You should be able to tell it’s spoiled by tasting a sip of it yourself.

Do I need to scald breast milk before freezing?

Eliminate lipase-induced milk changes during freezing – If you find during test freezing that your milk changes smell or taste and your baby won’t drink it, you can scald your fresh milk before you freeze it. Scalding milk after it has been frozen will not correct the odor/taste problem.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

How to know if breastmilk is spoiled?

It will also smell bad, much like spoiled cow’s milk. And, like spoiled cow’s milk, breast milk that’s old will taste sour. (It’s fine to taste your breast milk to check!) Always label your pumped milk with a time and date so you can tell how old it is.