How do I know if I have high lipase in my breastmilk?

Understanding High Lipase in Breast Milk
High lipase activity in breast milk can be a concern for breastfeeding mothers, particularly when it affects their baby’s willingness to consume expressed milk. Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fats, and while it plays a crucial role in digestion, excessive lipase can lead to changes in the milk’s taste and smell, potentially causing feeding issues.
Signs of High Lipase
If you suspect that you might have high lipase in your breast milk, there are several indicators to look out for:
1. Altered Smell: One of the most noticeable signs is a change in the smell of your expressed milk. Mothers often report that their milk has a soapy or metallic odor, which can be off-putting to babies . This change typically occurs after the milk has been stored, whether refrigerated or frozen.
2. Baby’s Refusal to Feed: If your baby is rejecting pumped milk, it could be a sign of high lipase. Babies may refuse to drink milk that has an unusual taste or smell, leading to frustration for both the mother and child.
3. Taste Test: If you’re unsure, you can perform a simple taste test. Express a small amount of milk and taste it after it has been stored for a few hours. If it tastes off or different from fresh milk, this could indicate high lipase activity.
What to Do If You Have High Lipase
If you confirm that you have high lipase in your breast milk, there are several strategies you can employ to manage the situation:
– Scalding the Milk: One effective method is to scald the milk before storing it. Heating the milk to just below boiling (around 180°F or 82°C) can deactivate the lipase enzyme, preventing the off-flavors from developing.
– Storage Techniques: Consider how you store your milk. Freshly expressed milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for longer periods. However, if you notice changes in the milk’s quality, adjusting your storage methods may help.
– Consulting a Lactation Consultant: If you’re struggling with high lipase and its effects on feeding, seeking advice from a lactation consultant can provide personalized strategies and support.
Conclusion
High lipase in breast milk can pose challenges for breastfeeding mothers, particularly when it leads to feeding refusals by babies. By being aware of the signs and taking proactive measures, such as scalding the milk or adjusting storage practices, mothers can navigate this issue more effectively. If concerns persist, professional guidance can be invaluable in ensuring both mother and baby have a positive breastfeeding experience.

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.

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 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.

What are the symptoms of a high lipase level?

What are the symptoms of high lipase? Symptoms depend on what’s causing your high lipase. For example, the most common symptom of acute pancreatitis is abdominal pain that radiates to your lower back. Other symptoms, like fever and nausea, may also signal a condition associated with high lipase levels.

Does freeze drying breast milk help with high lipase?

Lipase can cause soapy or sour tasting breast milk. This can lead to babies refusing frozen breast milk. Freeze-drying inactivates the lipase enzyme that stays active during regular freezing storage, potentially reducing this problem for breast feeding moms.

How do I know if my breast milk is making my baby sick?

If your baby shows negative symptoms after drinking breast milk. Consider how your baby responds to breast milk after drinking it. If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day.

How to tell the difference between high lipase 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 add vanilla to high lipase milk?

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

How do I lower lipase in my breast milk?

Scalding milk is believed to slow lipase’s action in the milk. Research shows that lipase is not responsible for the changes in smell. Removing lipase removes an important enzyme that helps the baby digest fats.

How do I know if my breast milk has high lipase?

The longer milk is kept at room temperature or even in the refrigerator before being frozen, the more lipase activity it will have. Milk that has a high level of lipase can develop a soapy smell and taste, but is not harmful to the baby.