Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Is it OK for baby to drink high lipase milk?

Is it OK for baby to drink high lipase milk?

Understanding High Lipase Milk and Its Safety for Babies
When it comes to feeding infants, parents often have a myriad of questions, especially regarding the safety and suitability of breast milk. One common concern is whether it is acceptable for babies to consume milk with high lipase levels. The short answer is a reassuring yes—high lipase milk is safe for babies to drink.
What is High Lipase Milk?
Lipase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats. In breast milk, lipase helps break down fats, making it easier for babies to digest the milk. However, some mothers may produce milk with higher-than-normal levels of lipase, which can lead to changes in the milk’s taste and smell over time. This is particularly noticeable when milk is stored for a period, as the enzyme continues to break down fats, potentially resulting in a soapy or sour flavor.
Is High Lipase Milk Harmful?
Despite the changes in taste, there is no evidence to suggest that high lipase milk is harmful to infants. Experts agree that babies are capable of digesting this milk without any issues. In fact, the milk they receive directly from breastfeeding may also contain lipase, albeit at varying levels. Dr. Chang emphasizes that while excess lipase can alter the flavor of the milk, it does not pose any health risks to the baby.
Managing High Lipase Milk
For parents who find that their baby is reluctant to drink high lipase milk due to its altered taste, there are strategies to encourage acceptance. Some methods include warming the milk slightly before feeding or mixing it with fresh milk to mask the flavor. It’s important to note that while some babies may refuse high lipase milk, many will still accept it without any problems.
Conclusion
In summary, high lipase milk is perfectly safe for babies to consume. The enzyme’s presence aids in fat digestion, and while it may change the milk’s taste, it does not compromise its nutritional value or safety. Parents can take simple steps to help their babies adjust to the taste if needed, ensuring that their little ones receive the benefits of breast milk, regardless of its lipase content.

Can high lipase milk affect 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.

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 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.

How to lower lipase in breastmilk?

Try the 50/50 approach. Mixing half stored milk with half freshly pumped or expressed milk might satisfy your baby since the soapy or metallic taste will be less strong. Scald your pumped milk. Scalding your breast milk might reduce the flavor and smell changes associated with high lipase breast 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 tell if milk is high in lipase?

You can’t see lipase, but changes in taste or smell can indicate its presence. The most notable signs of high lipase milk are changes in taste and smell. You might notice your milk having a scent or taste similar to metallic, vomit, eggs, soap, or fishy.

What does lipase do for babies?

Lipase is an important enzyme that helps your baby break down breast milk so that they can digest and absorb the essential nutrients contained in it. Everyone produces lipase. This enzyme is normally produced in the pancreas but has also been found in the digestive tract of newborn babies.

Can you sell breast milk with high lipase?

Yes! We will happily accept your high lipase milk, as will our recipient babies. Lipase is destroyed during our pasteurization process.

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.

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

You can tell if yours has it by smelling and/or tasting it. If it’s soapy or sour, it has high lipase. I also tasted a tiny bit of my frozen milk next to a tiny bit of fresh, and the flavor difference was super obvious.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment