What does high lipase in breast milk mean?

Understanding High Lipase in Breast Milk
High lipase in breast milk is a condition that can significantly impact breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Lipase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats, breaking them down into fatty acids. While lipase is naturally present in breast milk, some mothers may produce milk with elevated levels of this enzyme, leading to noticeable changes in the milk’s taste and smell.
What Does High Lipase Mean?
When breast milk has high lipase levels, it can develop a soapy or metallic odor, which may be off-putting to some infants. This change typically occurs after the milk has been stored, whether refrigerated or frozen. Mothers may notice that their babies refuse to drink pumped milk, particularly if it has been stored for a period of time. The presence of high lipase can lead to a frustrating situation for breastfeeding mothers, as their stored milk—often referred to as “liquid gold”—may go unused.
Causes and Effects
The exact cause of high lipase levels in breast milk is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a normal variation among women. Some mothers may have higher lipase activity than others, which can lead to the breakdown of fats in the milk, resulting in the undesirable taste and smell. This condition does not indicate any health issues for the mother or the baby; rather, it is a unique characteristic of the milk.
The effects of high lipase can be distressing. Babies may refuse to drink milk that has developed an off-putting odor, leading to concerns about nutrition and feeding. This can be particularly challenging for mothers who rely on pumped milk for feeding, especially if they are returning to work or need to be away from their babies for extended periods.
Managing High Lipase Milk
Fortunately, there are strategies that mothers can employ to manage high lipase in their breast milk. One common approach is to scald the milk before storing it. This process involves heating the milk to just below boiling point, which can deactivate the lipase enzyme and prevent the undesirable changes in taste and smell.
Additionally, mothers can experiment with different storage methods, such as using smaller containers to minimize the time the milk is exposed to air, which can also help reduce the breakdown of fats. If a baby refuses high lipase milk, it may be beneficial to try warming the milk slightly or mixing it with fresh milk to mask the taste.
Conclusion
High lipase in breast milk is a condition that can affect the feeding experience for both mothers and their babies. While it can lead to challenges, understanding the nature of high lipase and employing effective management strategies can help ensure that babies receive the nutrition they need. For mothers facing this issue, it is essential to remember that they are not alone, and there are solutions available to navigate this unique aspect of breastfeeding.

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.

How do I know if my breast milk is bad for my baby?

That doesn’t always mean it’s soured or spoiled, but you should talk to your doctor or lactation specialist about what to do if your breast milk tastes or smells bad or your baby doesn’t like it. You may need to avoid certain foods, change how you pump or store your milk, or make other lifestyle changes.

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 pumped milk.
Scalding your breast milk might reduce the flavor and smell changes associated with high lipase breast milk. To do so, heat milk in a clean pan (not the microwave) until it’s bubbling but not boiling, then place the pan in a bowl of ice water to help cool it down before serving it to your baby.

How do I know if my breast milk is making my baby sick?

If your baby shows negative symptoms after drinking breast milk. Consider how your baby responds to breast milk after drinking it. If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day.

What causes high lipase in breast milk?

High lipase levels in breast milk can vary among women due to genetic factors or dietary influences. It’s a natural variation with no known specific cause.

How to fix frozen breast milk with high lipase?

Mix the high-lipase frozen milk with freshly expressed milk: Mixing frozen and fresh breast milk can reduce the lipase activity in the thawed frozen breast milk and minimize the development of any unwanted tastes or smells. Thaw your frozen breast milk in the refrigerator overnight or under warm running water.

How to tell if breast milk is bad?

Human breast milk can spoil just like any other kind of milk. This leads to a sharp, sour smell and flavor. There’s no way to save spoiled milk. You should be able to tell it’s spoiled by tasting a sip of it yourself.

How to reduce high lipase?

***Per Lawrence & Lawrence, bile salt-stimulated lipase can also be destroyed by heating the milk at 144.5 F (62.5 C) for one minute (p. 205), or at 163 F (72 C) for up to 15 seconds (p. 771).

What is the most common cause of elevated lipase?

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.