What to do if frozen breastmilk has high lipase?

Understanding High Lipase in Frozen Breast Milk
For breastfeeding mothers, the journey of pumping and storing breast milk can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges, one of which is the presence of high lipase. This condition can alter the taste and smell of stored milk, potentially leading to rejection by infants. Understanding what high lipase is and how to manage it is crucial for ensuring that your baby continues to receive the benefits of breast milk.
What is High Lipase?
Lipase is an enzyme naturally present in breast milk that helps break down fats. While it plays a vital role in digestion, some mothers may produce milk with excessive lipase activity. This can result in a noticeable change in the milk’s flavor and odor, often described as soapy or metallic, particularly after the milk has been frozen and thawed. Although this change can be disheartening, it is important to note that milk affected by high lipase is still safe for consumption.
Signs of High Lipase
Mothers may suspect high lipase if their baby refuses to drink previously stored milk. The milk might smell or taste off, leading to a look of disgust from the little one. It’s essential to recognize that while the milk may not taste as fresh, it does not pose any health risks to the baby.
Strategies for Managing High Lipase Milk
If you find yourself with a stash of high lipase milk, there are several strategies you can employ to make it more palatable for your baby:
1. Mixing with Fresh Milk: One effective method is to blend thawed high lipase milk with freshly pumped milk. Start with a bottle primarily filled with fresh milk and add a small amount of the high lipase milk. Gradually increase the proportion of high lipase milk as your baby becomes accustomed to the taste .
2. Scalding the Milk: Another approach is to scald the milk before freezing it. This process involves heating the milk to about 180°F (82°C) and then cooling it quickly before storage. Scalding can deactivate the lipase enzymes, preventing the off-flavors from developing.
3. Using Smaller Portions: If your baby is particularly sensitive to the taste, consider freezing milk in smaller portions. This way, you can thaw only what you need, reducing waste and ensuring that your baby receives fresher milk more frequently.
4. Experimenting with Different Bottles: Sometimes, the type of bottle or nipple can affect a baby’s willingness to drink. Trying different feeding options may help your baby accept the milk more readily.
Conclusion
Dealing with high lipase in breast milk can be a frustrating experience for nursing mothers. However, by understanding the nature of high lipase and employing practical strategies, you can ensure that your baby continues to receive the nutritional benefits of breast milk. Remember, while the taste may change, the milk remains safe and beneficial for your little one. Embrace the journey of motherhood with patience and creativity, and don’t hesitate to seek support from lactation consultants or breastfeeding groups if needed.

What happens if a baby drinks spoiled breast milk?

They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever.

How to reduce lipase levels?

The best way to lower lipase levels is to treat the underlying condition that is causing it. If you have pancreatitis, your doctor will likely prescribe medication to help reduce inflammation and pain. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as eating a low-fat diet and avoiding alcohol.

Does freeze drying breast milk help with high lipase?

Contrary to some claims circulating on social media, freeze-drying does not remove lipase from breast milk. This would be detrimental to your baby’s nutrition! Freeze-drying is a process that causes frozen water molecules to sublimate (turn directly from a solid into a gas) in a vacuum chamber.

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 tell the difference between high lipase milk and spoiled milk?

High lipase milk has an odor that some people describe as metallic, soapy, or even fishy. The taste might be very different from the smell, or it might also taste bad depending on the severity. If the milk smells rancid or spoiled, that might be a different problem.

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.

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 can I lower my lipase level quickly?

How to lower lipase levels

1. intravenous fluids.
2. medications to manage pain.
3. not eating for a recommended period and then starting a bland diet.

Why is my frozen breastmilk more yellow?

It could just mean that you’re brand new to breastfeeding. Both colostrum and transitional milk can have a yellowish hue. Mature milk can look yellow too, if you’ve recently eaten yellow- or orange-pigmented foods. It’s normal for milk to turn yellowish after being stored in the fridge or freezer as well.

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.