How do you treat high lipase breast milk?

Understanding High Lipase Breast Milk
High lipase breast milk is a condition that can cause stored breast milk to develop an unpleasant taste or smell, often described as soapy or rancid. This phenomenon occurs due to elevated levels of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fats in the milk. While lipase is beneficial for a baby’s digestion, excessive activity can lead to changes in the milk’s flavor, making it unpalatable for infants. This can result in babies refusing to drink milk that has been pumped and stored, which can be distressing for breastfeeding mothers who rely on expressed milk for feeding.
Symptoms and Identification
Mothers may notice that their baby rejects refrigerated or frozen breast milk, often reacting with disgust. This rejection can be particularly pronounced when the milk has been thawed or left to sit for a while, leading to a sour or soapy taste. If you suspect that you have high lipase milk, it’s essential to confirm this by tasting the milk yourself. If it tastes off, it’s likely that high lipase is the culprit.
Treatment and Management Strategies
Managing high lipase breast milk involves several strategies to ensure that your baby will accept the milk without issue. Here are some effective methods:
1. Scalding the Milk: One of the most recommended techniques is to scald the milk shortly after pumping. This process involves heating the milk to about 180°F (82°C) and then cooling it quickly before storing it. Scalding inactivates the lipase enzyme, preventing it from altering the milk’s taste. Many mothers have found success with this method, as it preserves the nutritional quality of the milk while eliminating the undesirable flavor changes.
2. Using the Sous Vide Method: For those looking for a more convenient approach, the sous vide method has gained popularity. This technique allows for precise temperature control, ensuring that the milk is heated adequately without the risk of overheating, which can destroy some of the beneficial properties of breast milk.
3. Storing Properly: Proper storage of breast milk is crucial. Ensure that the milk is stored in airtight containers and kept at the correct temperatures. Freshly pumped milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for six months to a year, depending on the type of freezer.
4. Offering Fresh Milk: If your baby is particularly sensitive to the taste of high lipase milk, consider offering freshly pumped milk whenever possible. This can help avoid the issue altogether, as fresh milk will not have undergone any changes in flavor.
5. Mixing with Fresh Milk: If you have both high lipase milk and fresh milk, mixing the two can sometimes help mask the taste of the older milk, making it more palatable for your baby.
Conclusion
High lipase breast milk can pose challenges for breastfeeding mothers, particularly when it leads to feeding refusals. However, with the right strategies—such as scalding the milk, using proper storage techniques, and offering fresh milk—mothers can effectively manage this condition. Understanding and addressing high lipase levels not only helps ensure that your baby receives the nutrition they need but also alleviates the stress associated with feeding challenges.

Why is my milk suddenly high lipase?

High lipase levels in breast milk can vary among women due to genetic factors or dietary influences. It’s a natural variation with no known specific cause.

Why is my milk suddenly high in lipase?

High lipase levels in breast milk can vary among women due to genetic factors or dietary influences. It’s a natural variation with no known specific cause.

Is milk high in lipase bad for baby?

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.

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 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).

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.

Does freezing breastmilk stop lipase?

One theory is that lipases, which are enzymes that naturally occur in human milk, continue working even when milk is frozen, breaking down fats and releasing fatty acids that can smell soapy or metallic.

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 happens if lipase is too high?

Higher than normal levels of lipase mean that you have a problem with your pancreas. If your blood has 3 to 10 times the normal level of lipase, then it’s likely that you have acute pancreatitis. High lipase levels also mean you may have kidney failure, cirrhosis, or a bowel problem.

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.