What if baby wont take frozen breast milk?

Understanding the Issue: Why Babies Reject Frozen Breast Milk
When a baby refuses to take frozen breast milk, it can be a distressing experience for parents who have worked hard to build a supply. There are several reasons why this might happen, and understanding these can help in finding a solution.
Lipase Levels and Taste Changes
One of the most common culprits behind a baby’s rejection of frozen breast milk is high levels of lipase. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats in breast milk, and while it is naturally present, some mothers produce it in higher quantities. When breast milk is frozen and thawed, the lipase can alter the milk’s taste and smell, sometimes giving it a metallic or soapy flavor that babies may find unappealing. This change can lead to a refusal to drink the milk, especially if the baby has been accustomed to the taste of fresh milk.
Thawing and Warming Techniques
The way breast milk is thawed and warmed can also impact a baby’s willingness to consume it. If the milk is heated too quickly or to too high a temperature, it can affect the taste and nutritional quality. Ideally, breast milk should be thawed in the refrigerator or under warm running water, and warmed gently to body temperature. Parents might find that experimenting with different warming methods can help make the milk more palatable for their baby.
Mixing Fresh and Frozen Milk
Some parents have found success by mixing freshly pumped milk with frozen milk. This can help mask any off-flavors caused by lipase activity. However, if the baby continues to refuse the mixture, it may be necessary to explore other options.
Strategies to Encourage Acceptance
If your baby is rejecting frozen breast milk, there are several strategies you can try:
1. Test for Lipase: If you suspect lipase might be the issue, you can conduct a simple test. Freeze a small amount of freshly pumped milk, thaw it, and then smell and taste it. If the flavor changes significantly, lipase could be the reason for your baby’s refusal.
2. Try Different Storage Methods: Some parents have reported that using glass containers instead of plastic can help preserve the milk’s taste. Additionally, ensuring that the milk is stored properly and used within recommended time frames can make a difference.
3. Consult a Lactation Consultant: If the problem persists, seeking advice from a lactation consultant can provide personalized strategies and support. They can offer insights into your specific situation and help troubleshoot any issues.
4. Consider Alternative Feeding Methods: If your baby continues to refuse frozen breast milk, you might explore alternative feeding methods, such as using a different type of bottle or nipple that may be more appealing to your baby.
Conclusion
While it can be frustrating when a baby refuses frozen breast milk, understanding the underlying reasons—such as lipase activity and storage methods—can help parents navigate this challenge. By experimenting with different techniques and seeking support when needed, many families find ways to ensure their babies receive the nutrition they need, even from frozen supplies.

Why is my baby rejecting my frozen breast milk?

Background: Infant refusal to feed previously frozen human milk is thought possibly attributable to lipase, an enzyme that cleaves fatty acids from milk triglycerides potentially changing the taste of the milk.

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 old breast milk?

Based on research published on the Unair website, breast milk that is stored for a long time can be contaminated by various bacteria. One of them is E. coli. This bacteria can cause digestive tract infections such as diarrhea.

Can high lipase make babies sick?

No — absolutely not! High lipase milk is just as nutritious and safe as any other breast milk. The only difference is in its taste and smell, which some babies might notice, leading them to refuse bottles, while others may not. There is no evidence to suggest that high lipase milk causes any digestive issues in babies.

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.

How do I introduce frozen breast milk to my baby?

If you put your frozen breast milk in the refrigerator to thaw, use it within 24 hours. If you use warm or lukewarm water to thaw your milk, feed it to your baby within two hours.

Does frozen breast milk taste different to babies?

This study revealed that the human breastmilk develops a rancid flavor during frozen storage. Therefore, we recommend that when infants refuse thawed milk, mothers can try to provide freshly expressed milk whenever possible or provide breastmilk frozen for less than 7 days.

What happens if baby drinks breast milk left out too long?

“One of the risks of breastmilk left out too long is growth of bacteria, which can’t be detected on visual inspection.” There isn’t a specific appearance, for example, or color of milk that denotes it’s “bad.” But milk that’s left out too long can result in vomiting or diarrhea in your baby, Dr.

Is frozen breast milk better than formula?

Breast milk is better for your baby than formula – but freshly expressed breast milk is preferable to refrigerated, and refrigerated is better than frozen.

How do I get my baby to drink frozen breast milk?

Mix frozen breastmilk with freshly pumped milk.
You can try mixing the frozen milk with freshly pumped milk to see if they will drink it. This blend can help mask the soapy taste. Finding out your breastmilk has high lipase can be disheartening, especially if you already have a freezer full of stored milk.