What to do if baby rejects frozen breast milk?

Understanding the Issue
When a baby rejects frozen breast milk, it can be a distressing experience for parents. This rejection may stem from several factors, including the taste of the milk, the method of storage, or even the baby’s current preferences. Understanding these reasons can help parents navigate this challenge effectively.
Possible Reasons for Rejection
One common reason for a baby’s refusal of thawed breast milk is lipase activity. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats in breast milk, and while it is beneficial for digestion, it can alter the milk’s taste over time. If breast milk is frozen for an extended period, the flavor may change, leading to rejection by the baby. To mitigate this, it is recommended to freeze breast milk for less than seven days whenever possible, or to provide freshly expressed milk.
Another factor could be the temperature or method of thawing. Babies often prefer milk that is warmed to body temperature. If the milk is too cold or not warmed properly, the baby may refuse it. Parents can try gently swirling the milk instead of shaking it, as this may help maintain a more appealing taste.
Strategies to Encourage Acceptance
If your baby is rejecting frozen breast milk, there are several strategies you can employ:
1. Freshly Expressed Milk: Whenever possible, offer freshly expressed milk. This can help ensure that the milk has a taste and smell that the baby finds more appealing.
2. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Engaging in skin-to-skin contact can help soothe the baby and may encourage them to accept the milk. This method fosters a sense of security and comfort, which can be crucial during feeding times.
3. Feeding Techniques: If your baby is showing signs of hunger but is frustrated, try offering a small amount of milk through a different method, such as a bottle or a spoon, before attempting to breastfeed. This can prevent the baby from becoming too upset or hungry.
4. Experiment with Temperature: Ensure that the milk is warmed adequately. Testing the temperature on your wrist can help ensure it is just right.
5. Offer Alternatives: If your baby is teething or has a sore mouth, consider offering frozen breast milk cubes or ice lollies. These can provide relief while still allowing the baby to consume breast milk.
Conclusion
Navigating a situation where a baby rejects frozen breast milk can be challenging, but understanding the underlying reasons and employing various strategies can help. By offering freshly expressed milk, ensuring proper warming techniques, and maintaining a comforting environment, parents can encourage their babies to accept breast milk once again. Remember, patience and persistence are key, and seeking support from healthcare providers can also be beneficial in these situations.

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.

What to do if baby refuses frozen breast milk?

Some babies readily accept freshly expressed milk but not previously frozen milk. If this describes your baby, try a mix of the two. Start with adding small amounts of previously frozen milk to avoid discarding if your baby is reluctant to take the combination. Gradually add more defrosted milk to the mix.

What is the 6 6 6 rule for breastmilk?

Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months.

How do I stop my baby from rejecting my breast?

Remain CALM and offer to nurse in a very GENTLE manner, never force your baby to the breast. You want to offer your breast in a “no pressure” sort of way. Try nursing in various positions, such as side-lying. Whenever possible, co-bathe with your baby (remove all toys and create a relaxing atmosphere).

How long does breast refusal last?

Sudden refusal or nursing strike
Nursing strikes usually last between 2 to 4 days, however they can last longer. There are several reasons why your baby may suddenly start to refuse your breast: they are unwell (tummy ache, earache, oral thrush etc.) too little milk.

How to know if frozen breastmilk 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.

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.

How to get rid of high lipase in frozen breast milk?

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 get baby to latch deeper?

With your baby’s head tilted back and chin up, lift him or her to touch your nipple. The nipple should rest just above the baby’s upper lip. Wait for your baby to open very wide, then “scoop” the breast by placing the lower jaw on first. Now tip your baby’s head forward and place the upper jaw well behind your nipple.