How to fix high lipase in breastmilk?

Understanding High Lipase in Breastmilk
High lipase in breastmilk 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 expressed milk, leading to rejection by infants. Mothers may notice that their pumped milk has a soapy or metallic taste, particularly after it has been stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Causes and Effects
The exact cause of high lipase levels in breastmilk remains unclear, and while it is not uncommon, it can be distressing for mothers when their babies refuse to drink milk that they have worked hard to express. The breakdown of fatty acids during storage can lead to unpleasant odors, which may be mistaken for spoilage. This can create a challenging situation for mothers who rely on stored milk for feeding.
Solutions for Managing High Lipase
Fortunately, there are several strategies that mothers can employ to manage high lipase in their breastmilk:
1. Scalding the Milk: One of the most effective methods to reduce the effects of high lipase is to scald the milk before storing it. Scalding involves heating the milk to just below boiling (around 180°F or 82°C) and then cooling it quickly before freezing or refrigerating. This process inactivates the lipase enzyme, preventing it from altering the milk’s taste.
2. Using the Sous Vide Method: Some mothers have found success with the sous vide method for scalding milk. This technique allows for precise temperature control, ensuring that the milk is heated evenly without the risk of burning. This method not only preserves the quality of the milk but also saves time for busy mothers.
3. Testing Freshness: Before feeding expressed milk to a baby, mothers can taste it themselves. If the milk tastes off, it may be best to discard it rather than risk the baby rejecting it.
4. Storage Tips: To minimize the impact of high lipase, mothers should store milk in smaller portions. This way, they can thaw only what they need, reducing the chances of waste.
5. Consulting with Experts: If high lipase continues to be a problem, seeking advice from lactation consultants or healthcare providers can provide personalized strategies and support.
Conclusion
High lipase in breastmilk can pose challenges for breastfeeding mothers, particularly when it leads to rejection by infants. However, by employing techniques such as scalding the milk and utilizing proper storage methods, mothers can effectively manage this issue. Understanding the nature of high lipase and taking proactive steps can help ensure that both mother and baby have a positive breastfeeding experience.

How long does it take for lipase to break down milk?

The flavor of high lipase milk can change as quickly as 24 hours or over a few days. One option is to test through trial and error exactly how long it takes before the flavor changes.

How do you sweeten high lipase milk?

It is important to know that this milk is still safe and nutritious. Strategies to manage high lipase breast milk include scalding freshly expressed milk to deactivate the lipase or mixing stored breast milk with fresh breast milk, formula, or a small amount of vanilla extract to make the milk more palatable.

Will babies drink high lipase milk?

Yes, it is safe for babies to drink high lipase milk. If they have no issue with it, that’s amazing! Others may refuse high lipase milk due to the taste– but there are some things we can do! 🌡scalding milk– this is heating your breastmilk to about 180°F using the stovetop or a bottle warmer before storing.

How do you lower high lipase in breast milk?

“First, you can deep freeze your milk immediately after it is expressed/pumped, which helps decrease the lipase activity,”1 she says. “The downside is you’d need to freeze it right away as cold as your deep freezer can go, and not all home deep freezing has this capability.”

Why is my milk suddenly high in 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.

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.

How can I lower my lipase naturally?

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 lower 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 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 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.