How do you fix high lipase in breast milk?

Understanding High Lipase in Breast Milk
High lipase in breast milk can be a perplexing issue for breastfeeding mothers, particularly when it leads to their babies rejecting stored milk. Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fats in milk, but when present in excessive amounts, it can alter the taste and smell of breast milk, making it unpalatable for infants. This condition often manifests as a soapy or rancid flavor, especially after the milk has been refrigerated or frozen.
Causes and Effects
The presence of high lipase is not uncommon, and it can vary significantly among mothers. While some may notice no adverse effects, others find that their babies refuse to drink milk that has been stored for any length of time. This rejection can be distressing, as it undermines the effort put into pumping and storing breast milk.
Solutions for Managing High Lipase
Fortunately, there are several strategies mothers can employ to manage high lipase levels in their breast milk:
1. Scalding the Milk: One of the most effective methods to reduce the impact of high lipase is to scald the milk before storing it. This process involves heating the milk to about 180°F (82°C) for a few minutes and then cooling it quickly before freezing or refrigerating. Scalding inactivates the lipase enzyme, preventing it from altering the milk’s taste.
2. Using the Sous Vide Method: For those looking for a more convenient approach, the sous vide method has gained popularity. This technique allows mothers to maintain precise temperatures over time, ensuring the milk is heated adequately without the risk of overheating, which can destroy beneficial nutrients.
3. Storing Milk Properly: Proper storage techniques can also help. Milk should be stored in clean, airtight containers and used within a reasonable timeframe. Freshly pumped milk can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for six months, but the sooner it is used, the better the taste will likely be.
4. Testing for High Lipase: If a mother suspects high lipase, she can conduct a simple taste test. By pumping a small amount of milk and storing it for 24 hours, she can check for any off-flavors. If the milk tastes soapy or rancid after this period, it may indicate high lipase levels.
Conclusion
While high lipase in breast milk can pose challenges, understanding the condition and implementing effective management strategies can help mothers ensure their babies receive the nutrition they need without rejection. By scalding the milk or utilizing proper storage techniques, mothers can navigate this issue and continue to provide their little ones with the benefits of breast milk.

Does freeze drying breast milk help with high lipase?

Contrary to some claims circulating on social media, freeze-drying does not remove lipase from breast milk. This would be detrimental to your baby’s nutrition! Freeze-drying is a process that causes frozen water molecules to sublimate (turn directly from a solid into a gas) in a vacuum chamber.

What happens if a baby drinks high lipase milk?

Is High Lipase Milk Dangerous to Your Baby? Dr. Chang points out that while excess lipase can change the taste of the milk, it does not make it harmful to the baby. In fact, it may even have benefits for your milk.

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 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.

How to get rid of high lipase in breastmilk?

***Per Lawrence & Lawrence, bile salt-stimulated lipase can also be destroyed by heating the milk at 144.5 F (62.5 C) for one minute (p. 205), or at 163 F (72 C) for up to 15 seconds (p. 771).

What causes lipase to spike?

Lipase may also be elevated as a result of other intra-abdominal pathologies arising from the stomach, bowel and hepatobiliary tract, and from neoplastic disease. Diabetes, drugs and infection can also be responsible for lipase levels of three or more times the ULN.

How to know if breast milk has gone bad?

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.

Can you mix high lipase milk with formula?

If your baby is used to formula, you can try mixing thawed high lipase breast milk with formula in increasing amounts. This can help babies get accustomed to the taste of the stored milk.

How do you lower high 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.

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.