How do you get rid of high lipase in breast milk?

Understanding High Lipase in Breast Milk
High lipase activity in breast milk can be a perplexing issue for breastfeeding mothers. Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fats in milk, but when present in excess, it can alter the taste and smell of stored breast milk, leading to rejection by infants. Mothers may notice that their pumped milk has a soapy or metallic odor, which can be distressing, especially when they have worked hard to provide for their babies.
Causes and Effects
The primary cause of high lipase in breast milk is the natural variation in lipase levels among women. While some mothers may have perfectly normal lipase levels, others may produce milk with higher concentrations of this enzyme. This condition can become particularly noticeable when milk is stored, as the lipase continues to act on the fats, resulting in changes to the milk’s flavor and aroma.
The effects of high lipase can be significant. Babies may refuse to drink milk that has developed an off-putting taste, leading to feeding challenges for mothers who rely on pumped milk. This rejection can be frustrating and may cause anxiety about the adequacy of the milk supply.
Solutions for Managing High Lipase
Fortunately, there are several strategies that mothers can employ to manage high lipase in their breast milk:
1. Scalding the Milk: One of the most effective methods to reduce lipase activity is to scald the milk before storing it. This involves heating the milk to just below boiling (around 180°F or 82°C) and then cooling it quickly before refrigerating or freezing. This process denatures the lipase, preventing it from altering the milk’s taste.
2. Immediate Use: If possible, using pumped milk immediately after expressing can help avoid the issue altogether. Freshly expressed milk does not have the same lipase-related changes as stored milk.
3. Shorter Storage Times: Reducing the time that milk is stored can also mitigate the effects of high lipase. If mothers can use or freeze the milk within a few days, they may find that the taste remains acceptable.
4. Mixing with Fresh Milk: Another approach is to mix older milk that has developed a soapy taste with freshly expressed milk. This can help mask the flavor and make it more palatable for the baby.
5. Consulting a Lactation Consultant: For mothers struggling with high lipase, seeking advice from a lactation consultant can provide personalized strategies and support. They can offer insights into managing milk storage and feeding practices that suit individual needs.
Conclusion
High lipase in breast milk can pose challenges for breastfeeding mothers, but understanding the condition and implementing effective management strategies can help ensure that babies receive the nutrition they need. By scalding milk, using it promptly, and exploring mixing techniques, mothers can navigate this issue with confidence, ensuring that their little ones enjoy the benefits of breast milk without the unpleasant taste associated with high lipase.

How do you get rid of lipase?

Fortunately, lipase can be inactivated at high temperatures, and milk can be safely stored in the fridge or freezer. Milk must be scalded before freezing, as lipase is still active even at low temperatures.

How to tell if milk is high in lipase?

If your milk smells a little soapy, the cause is often milk that is high in lipase activity.

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.

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 fix high lipase in breastmilk?

Scald your pumped milk.
Scalding your breast milk might reduce the flavor and smell changes associated with high lipase breast milk. To do so, heat milk in a clean pan (not the microwave) until it’s bubbling but not boiling, then place the pan in a bowl of ice water to help cool it down before serving it to your baby.

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 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.

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.

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.

What foods should I avoid if my lipase is high?

Avoid high-fat foods, such as:

• Chocolate, whole milk, ice cream, processed cheese, and egg yolks.
• Fried, deep fried, or buttered foods.
• Sausage, salami, and bacon.
• Cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, cookies, and other pastries.
• Prepared snack foods, such as potato chips, nut and granola bars, and mixed nuts.