How do I get my baby to drink high lipase breast milk?

Understanding High Lipase Breast Milk
For breastfeeding mothers, the journey can sometimes take unexpected turns, especially when it comes to the quality and acceptance of expressed milk. One common issue is high lipase breast milk, which can lead to babies refusing to drink pumped milk due to its altered taste and smell. Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fats in breast milk, but when present in excess, it can cause the milk to develop a soapy or metallic odor, making it less palatable for infants.
Why Babies Reject High Lipase Milk
If your baby turns away from a bottle of expressed milk, it may be due to the high lipase content. This condition can be particularly frustrating for mothers who have worked hard to build a stash of breast milk, only to find their little one rejecting it. The smell and taste changes can occur after the milk has been stored, especially if it has been frozen or refrigerated for a period.
Strategies to Encourage Acceptance
Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to help your baby accept high lipase breast milk:
1. Scalding the Milk: One effective method is to scald the milk before storing it. This process involves heating the milk to just below boiling (around 180°F or 82°C) and then cooling it quickly before freezing or refrigerating. Scalding inactivates the lipase enzyme, preventing the off-putting taste and smell from developing.
2. Mixing with Fresh Milk: If your baby is hesitant to drink high lipase milk, consider mixing it with freshly expressed milk. This can help mask the taste and make it more appealing. Start with a small ratio of high lipase milk to fresh milk and gradually increase the amount of high lipase milk as your baby becomes accustomed to the flavor.
3. Experimenting with Temperature: Some babies prefer milk at different temperatures. Try warming the milk slightly before feeding, as this can enhance the flavor and make it more palatable. Conversely, some babies might prefer it cold, so it’s worth experimenting to see what your baby prefers.
4. Using Different Bottles or Nipples: Sometimes, the issue may not solely be the milk but also the bottle or nipple being used. Experimenting with different types of bottles or nipples can help find one that your baby prefers, which might encourage them to drink the milk.
5. Gradual Introduction: If your baby is used to breastfeeding directly, introducing a bottle with high lipase milk gradually can help. Start with small amounts and allow your baby to get used to the bottle before offering larger quantities.
Conclusion
Navigating the challenges of high lipase breast milk can be daunting, but with a few adjustments and a bit of patience, you can help your baby accept this nutritious source of nourishment. Remember, every baby is different, and it may take some time to find the right approach that works for you and your little one. If issues persist, consulting with a lactation consultant can provide additional support and tailored strategies.

How to get your baby to take high lipase milk?

Some moms start by adding a “splash” of high lipase milk to the fresh milk for the first feeding. If baby takes it well, they may try a little more at the next feeding, etc, until they get half high lipase milk and half freshly pumped (if possible!).

Can refrigerated breast milk have high lipase?

Lipase is naturally found in breast milk, and it’s believed that an excess of this enzyme can cause the flavor of breast milk to change. When expressed milk is stored in cool temperatures, it’s suspected that high levels of lipase make the fats in your milk break down more quickly, impacting the flavor and smell.

How to tell if frozen breast milk is bad?

The milk is likely to have a very distinctive sour smell and may even taste metallic, like soap or bitter. If it smells sour, it is very likely because of the lipase enzyme’s action on the fat content of breast milk.

Can you mix high lipase milk with formula?

PSA: For high lipase milk – Instead of scalding breast milk, mix with a small amount of prepared formula (if you’re open to using small amount of formula for baby).

How much vanilla to put in high lipase milk?

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

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.

Does freezing milk immediately reduce lipase?

Addition of serum had no effect on milk LPL at either temperature. We conclude that LPL and BSSL remain fully active during frozen storage of human milk and that milk fat is hydrolyzed at -20 degrees C but not at -70 degrees C.

Can you add vanilla to high lipase breastmilk?

You can start by masking the taste by adding a few drops of alcohol-free vanilla extract to the milk, or mixing the thawed milk with freshly pumped milk. Keep in mind, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises you cool freshly expressed milk before combining it.

How to lower lipase levels?

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.

Why doesn’t my baby like high lipase milk?

If baby doesn’t accept high lipase milk, you want to find when the taste changes and scald before then (then rapidly cool and freeze). Alternatively, you can use formula for bottles.