How do I stop my breast milk from being sour?

Understanding Sour Breast Milk
Breast milk is typically known for its sweet, mild scent, but some mothers may encounter a situation where their expressed milk develops a sour or soapy smell. This phenomenon can be concerning, especially for new mothers who want to ensure their baby is receiving the best nutrition. Understanding the causes and solutions for sour breast milk is essential for maintaining a healthy breastfeeding experience.
Causes of Sour Breast Milk
One of the primary reasons breast milk may smell sour is due to high lipase levels. Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fats in milk, and while it is naturally present in breast milk, some women produce it in higher quantities. When milk is expressed and stored, high lipase can lead to a breakdown of fats, resulting in a sour or soapy odor. This is not harmful to the baby, but it can lead to refusal of the bottle if the smell is off-putting.
Another factor that can contribute to sour-smelling breast milk is improper storage. If expressed milk is not stored correctly—such as being left out at room temperature for too long or not refrigerated promptly—it can spoil, much like cow’s milk. It’s crucial to follow proper guidelines for expressing and storing breast milk to prevent spoilage.
Solutions to Prevent Sour Milk
To manage and prevent sour breast milk, mothers can take several steps:
1. Scalding the Milk: One effective method to reduce the effects of high lipase is to scald the milk before storing it. This involves heating the milk to just below boiling and then cooling it quickly before storage. This process inactivates the lipase enzyme, which can help maintain the milk’s fresh smell.
2. Proper Storage Techniques: Always store expressed milk in clean, sterilized containers. Use glass or BPA-free plastic bottles, and ensure that the milk is cooled quickly after expression. Store it in the back of the refrigerator or in the freezer to maintain a consistent temperature.
3. Use Fresh Milk Quickly: If possible, use freshly expressed milk within a few days. If you notice that your milk has developed a sour smell, it may be best to discard it to ensure your baby is not exposed to spoiled milk.
4. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you are consistently experiencing issues with sour-smelling milk, it may be beneficial to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and support based on your specific situation.
Conclusion
While sour-smelling breast milk can be alarming, understanding the underlying causes and implementing preventive measures can help mothers ensure their milk remains fresh and palatable for their babies. By managing lipase levels and adhering to proper storage practices, breastfeeding can continue to be a rewarding experience for both mother and child.

How to make breastmilk sweeter?

You can scald your milk to restore good flavor by gently heating it for a brief period. Certain chemical reactions. Sometimes your milk can smell and taste sour. This can happen very quickly if you have certain additives in your diet — like polyunsaturated and rancid fats or water rich in copper and iron ions.

Why does my pumped breast milk smell sour?

If your milk tastes/smells sour or rancid rather than soapy, the cause may be chemical oxidation rather than lipase (Mohrbacher, p. 461). Mom’s intake of polyunsaturated fats may be involved, or free copper or iron ions in her water.

Is sour breast milk safe?

Human milk that has truly soured has a very distinct sour taste and odor – much like soured cow’s milk. If your milk doesn’t smell distinctly sour or rancid, then it should be safe to give to your baby.

What foods make breast milk sour?

Sometimes your milk can smell and taste sour. This can happen very quickly if you have certain additives in your diet — like polyunsaturated and rancid fats or water rich in copper and iron ions. If you notice that your milk is spoiling very quickly, then you’ll likely need to change some aspects of your diet.

How do you get rid of sour breast milk?

The milk continues to have a sour taste. What can I do now? Heating up breast milk is only recommended when the lipase it contains transfers a sour taste, and this is why your baby rejects it. Place the milk in a pan and turn on the heat.

What can I do with sour breast milk?

Once the milk becomes sour or rancid smelling/tasting, there is no known way to salvage it. However, newly expressed milk can be stored by heating the milk to a scald to inactivate the lipase and stop the process of fat digestion.

What causes breast milk to be sour?

The true cause of the sour smell and taste isn’t necessarily the amount of lipase in your milk, but the rate of lipase activity. While some moms can store milk in the refrigerator or freezer for a while with no change in smell, others notice a change after just 24 hours.

Why does my breast smell sour?

While sweat itself doesn’t smell, you may develop body odor when there is the presence of bacteria on your skin. This is particularly why sweaty breasts smell sour or musky. Body odor comes from bacteria on the skin, which breaks down sweat produced by the apocrine glands.

What happens if my baby drinks sour 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 do you neutralize sour milk?

White Vinegar: White vinegar is another affordable option. Mix one part vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Saturate the affected area and let it sit for about five hours before blotting it dry.