Is it normal for breast milk to smell like rotten eggs?

Understanding the Smell of Breast Milk
Breast milk is often described as having a mild, sweet scent, but some mothers report a surprising odor reminiscent of rotten eggs. This phenomenon can be concerning for new parents, prompting questions about its normalcy and implications for feeding.
The Role of Lipase
The primary reason breast milk may develop a rotten egg smell is due to the presence of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fats in the milk. When breast milk is expressed and stored, especially if it is refrigerated or frozen, lipase can continue to act on the milk. This enzymatic activity can lead to the production of free fatty acids, which are responsible for the distinct sour odor that some mothers describe as similar to rotten eggs.
Storage Conditions Matter
The smell often becomes more pronounced after the milk has been stored. Freshly expressed milk typically has a pleasant aroma, but once it has been refrigerated or frozen, the breakdown of fats by lipase can intensify, resulting in that unpleasant scent. This is particularly common when milk is frozen, as the storage process can exacerbate the effects of lipase.
Is It Safe?
While the smell may be off-putting, it is generally not a sign that the milk is spoiled. Many babies will still accept milk with a high lipase content, and it is safe for consumption. However, if the odor is accompanied by other signs of spoilage, such as a change in color or texture, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Managing the Smell
For mothers concerned about the smell, there are a few strategies to manage high lipase levels in breast milk. One common approach is to scald the milk before storing it. This involves heating the milk to just below boiling point, which inactivates the lipase enzyme and can help prevent the development of the unpleasant odor.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is not uncommon for breast milk to smell like rotten eggs due to lipase activity, this does not typically indicate spoilage. Understanding the causes and management strategies can help alleviate concerns for breastfeeding mothers. If there are any doubts about the quality of the milk, seeking advice from a healthcare provider is always a prudent step.

How to know if breastmilk is spoiled?

It will also smell bad, much like spoiled cow’s milk. And, like spoiled cow’s milk, breast milk that’s old will taste sour. (It’s fine to taste your breast milk to check!) Always label your pumped milk with a time and date so you can tell how old it is.

Why does my milk smell rotten?

When milk is left out or past its expiration date, bacteria such as Lactobacillus can multiply and ferment the lactose (the sugar in milk) into lactic acid. This process lowers the pH of the milk, causing it to sour and develop a distinct, unpleasant odor.

Why does my pumped breast milk smell bad?

Some mums notice that their expressed milk has an ‘off’ or soapy smell and taste, even when they have handled it cleanly. This can be caused by oxidation following the normal action of enzymes in the milk designed to help the baby digest the milk fats. This problem doesn’t make the milk unsafe.

How to get rid of lipase in breastmilk?

Scald your breastmilk to reduce high lipase.
If your breastmilk does have high lipase, you can scald your milk before freezing or storing to prevent this from happening.

Why does my breast milk smell like rotten eggs?

Rotten eggs means bad. High lipase will smell metalic but not rottten. Throw it out. This happened to me when I put my milk in an insulated cup then put it on the fridge. It didn’t chill down and built up bacteria. I still do the pitcher method but until you find out the cause, do not milk cold and fresh milk.

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.

Why does my baby smell like rotten eggs?

While poop doesn’t smell good, stool from rotavirus can smell particularly bad. While any bad-smelling, watery diarrhea can be a sign of rotavirus, a slight sulfur or rotten egg smell is a characteristic sign of the condition.

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 get rid of high lipase in breastmilk?

Scalding milk is believed to slow lipase’s action in the milk. Research shows that lipase is not responsible for the changes in smell. Removing lipase removes an important enzyme that helps the baby digest fats.

What does it mean when milk smells like eggs?

Hydrogen sulfide: Fairlife has acknowledged that the distinctive odor in their milk can be attributed to hydrogen sulfide, which is a compound that has a “rotten egg” smell. However, they assure consumers that this unique odor is completely normal and does not indicate any safety or quality issues (2). Learn more: 1.