Is it normal for breast milk to smell?

Understanding the Smell of Breast Milk
Breast milk is a remarkable substance, tailored by nature to meet the nutritional needs of infants. However, many new mothers often wonder about the smell of their milk. Is it normal for breast milk to have an odor? The answer is nuanced, as various factors can influence the scent of breast milk.
Typical Odor Characteristics
Generally, breast milk is expected to have a slight sweet smell, or in some cases, it may not have much of a scent at all. According to lactation experts, this mild sweetness is a normal characteristic of fresh breast milk. However, some mothers report that their milk can occasionally have a “soapy” smell, which is often linked to the natural breakdown of fats in the milk due to the action of enzymes like lipase.
Factors Influencing Smell
Several factors can affect the smell of breast milk:
1. Diet: What a mother eats can significantly influence the odor of her milk. Foods such as garlic, onions, or spices can impart distinct smells to breast milk.
2. Storage Conditions: The way breast milk is stored can also lead to changes in its smell. When expressed or frozen, breast milk may develop a metallic, soapy, or even rancid odor due to the activity of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fats . This is particularly common when milk is thawed after being frozen.
3. Milk Freshness: Freshly expressed milk typically has a more pleasant smell compared to milk that has been stored for a while. If milk has truly soured, it will have a distinct sour odor, similar to that of spoiled cow’s milk.
When to Be Concerned
While many variations in smell are normal, there are instances when a change in odor could indicate a problem. If breast milk smells particularly foul or rancid, it may be a sign that it has spoiled and should not be given to the baby. Additionally, if a mother notices a persistent fishy odor, it could be due to excess lipase activity, which, while not harmful, might make the milk less palatable for some infants.
Conclusion
In summary, it is quite normal for breast milk to have a range of smells, from sweet to slightly soapy, influenced by diet, storage, and freshness. Mothers should feel reassured that variations in odor are typically harmless, but they should remain vigilant for any signs of spoilage. If there are concerns about the smell or quality of breast milk, consulting a healthcare professional is always a wise step.

How do you know if your breast milk is spoiled?

You might notice your milk having a scent or taste similar to metallic, vomit, eggs, soap, or fishy. The appearance of the milk might also change, though this isn’t always the case.

Why does my breastmilk have an odor?

Your milk may have excess lipase in it, which can cause stored breastmilk to smell sour or soapy. Lipase is a beneficial enzyme found in breast milk that helps break down milk fat. If your breastmilk has excess lipase, the longer the milk is stored, the stronger the smell becomes.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

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.

Can my baby drink high lipase milk?

WHAT CAN I do about it? First thing’s first, having high lipase milk does not mean your milk is “bad”! Some babies take high lipase milk without thought. Yes, it is perfectly safe for babies to drink high lipase milk.

How to tell the difference between high lipase milk and spoiled milk?

High lipase milk has an odor that some people describe as metallic, soapy, or even fishy. The taste might be very different from the smell, or it might also taste bad depending on the severity. If the milk smells rancid or spoiled, that might be a different problem.

Does breastmilk lose nutrients when pumped?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), freshly expressed breast milk can be safely kept at room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. Generally, when freshly pumped, breast milk is at its peak regarding nutrients.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

Is it normal to smell bad while breastfeeding?

Milk production
“A change in a postpartum scent helps direct a baby toward for breastfeeding,” adds Dr. Alagia. In fact, during breastfeeding, people can excrete different pheromones—mix that with a baby’s saliva, and it can cause an odor that may be new and unfamiliar to the lactating person.

What if baby drinks bad 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.