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What does high lipase breast milk look like?

Understanding High Lipase Breast Milk
High lipase breast milk is a condition that can perplex new mothers, often leading to concerns about the quality and safety of their expressed milk. Lipase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in breaking down fats in breast milk, making it easier for infants to digest. However, when lipase levels are elevated, it can lead to noticeable changes in the milk’s appearance, smell, and taste.
Characteristics of High Lipase Breast Milk
Mothers who produce high lipase breast milk may notice that their milk has a distinctive soapy or metallic odor. This change is due to the breakdown of fats that occurs more rapidly than normal after the milk is expressed. As the lipase enzyme acts on the milk, it can create an aftertaste that some describe as metallic or even fishy . This alteration can be alarming for parents, especially if their baby refuses to drink the milk due to its unusual flavor.
In terms of appearance, high lipase breast milk may not look significantly different from regular breast milk. However, the smell and taste are the primary indicators that something is amiss. When expressed and stored, this milk can develop an off-putting scent that can be mistaken for spoilage, leading to unnecessary waste.
Impact on Feeding
The implications of high lipase breast milk extend beyond sensory changes. Babies may reject milk that has developed these characteristics, which can be distressing for breastfeeding mothers who rely on expressed milk for feeding. Despite the changes in taste and smell, it is important to note that high lipase milk still retains its nutritional benefits. The presence of lipase is beneficial for digestion, but the sensory changes can create challenges in feeding practices.
Managing High Lipase Breast Milk
For mothers dealing with high lipase breast milk, there are strategies to manage the situation. One common approach is to scald the milk shortly after expressing it. This process involves heating the milk to a temperature that deactivates the lipase enzyme, thereby preventing the breakdown of fats and preserving the milk’s original taste and smell.
Additionally, understanding that high lipase breast milk is a normal variation can help alleviate concerns. While it may be frustrating, many mothers successfully navigate this issue with the right techniques and support.
In conclusion, high lipase breast milk is characterized by its soapy or metallic smell and taste, which can affect feeding practices. However, with proper management, mothers can continue to provide their babies with nutritious milk, even if it has undergone these changes.

How to tell if frozen breast milk is bad?

The milk is likely to have a very distinctive sour smell and may even taste metallic, like soap or bitter. If it smells sour, it is very likely because of the lipase enzyme’s action on the fat content of breast milk.

How do I know if my breast milk has high 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.

How to tell the difference between high lipase 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.

What does lipase milk smell like?

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.

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.

How to get baby to drink high lipase milk?

I have high lipase milk, things I do to get baby to take it is mix it with fresh milk, or put a drop or two of vanilla essence (that doesn’t contain alcohol) into the bottle, sometimes it takes a few drops more to mask the taste and as baby has gotten older this seems to work better.

Can you add vanilla to high lipase milk?

Try adding 1-2 drops of alcohol free vanilla extract! This can help mask the taste and smell.

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 to lower lipase levels in breast milk?

Scald Your High Lipase Breast Milk: Gently heating your milk can deactivate the lipase enzyme however, scaling could reduce some of the beneficial nutrients and gut bacteria you do want to preserve in your breast milk. Track Time: Be mindful of how long your milk is stored before use.

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.

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