What to do when baby wont drink frozen breast milk?

Understanding the Issue
When a baby refuses to drink frozen breast milk, it can be a distressing experience for parents. This rejection can stem from several factors, with one of the most common being high lipase levels in the milk. Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fats, but when present in excess, it can alter the taste and smell of the milk, making it unappealing to some babies.
Identifying the Problem
Parents often notice that their baby will drink freshly pumped milk without issue but turns away from milk that has been frozen and thawed. This behavior can be particularly frustrating, especially if the baby has previously accepted frozen milk. Signs that lipase might be the culprit include a sour, soapy, or metallic taste to the milk, which can develop during the freezing process.
In some cases, babies may also refuse frozen milk simply because they prefer the taste of fresh milk or are sensitive to temperature changes. If a baby is accustomed to drinking warm milk, they may reject cold milk, even if it’s just slightly chilled.
Solutions to Encourage Drinking
If your baby is rejecting frozen breast milk, here are some strategies to consider:
1. Scalding the Milk: One effective method to reduce the lipase levels is to scald the milk before freezing it. This process involves heating the milk to just below boiling and then cooling it quickly before storing it in the freezer. Scalding can help neutralize the lipase, preventing the off-flavors from developing.
2. Mixing with Fresh Milk: If you have freshly pumped milk available, try mixing it with the frozen milk. This can sometimes mask the taste of the frozen milk and make it more palatable for your baby.
3. Experimenting with Temperature: Some babies prefer their milk at a specific temperature. Experiment with warming the milk to see if your baby is more willing to drink it when it’s warmer.
4. Using Different Bottles or Nipples: Sometimes, the issue may not be with the milk itself but with the bottle or nipple being used. Trying different types of bottles or nipples can help find one that your baby prefers.
5. Consulting a Lactation Consultant: If the problem persists, seeking advice from a lactation consultant can provide personalized strategies and support. They can help identify if lipase is the issue and suggest tailored solutions.
Conclusion
While it can be concerning when a baby refuses frozen breast milk, understanding the potential reasons behind this behavior can help parents find effective solutions. By experimenting with scalding, mixing, and adjusting temperatures, many parents can successfully encourage their babies to accept frozen milk. If challenges continue, professional guidance can offer additional support and reassurance.

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.

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.

How to overcome bottle refusal?

How to get a breastfed baby to take a bottle: 5 helpful tips

1. Switch back and forth between breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
2. Try giving the bottle when your baby is waking up.
3. Create a relaxing environment each time you offer the bottle.
4. Have a family member other than mom offer the bottle whenever possible.

How do I stop my baby from rejecting my breast?

It is important that you stay calm during this time.

1. Try to find out what is bothering your baby.
2. Offer your baby your breast when they are sleepy.
3. Carry your baby in a sling.
4. Feed your baby in different locations.
5. If your baby has a sore mouth, you can try giving them frozen expressed milk in a clean cloth or muslin.

Why is my baby rejecting 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.

Can I mix frozen breast milk with formula?

Once thawed, mix the formula and breast milk according to the recommended ratios. If you’ve mixed formula and previously frozen breast milk, it can stay out at room temperature for 1-2 hours (if unused), or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

What if my baby is refusing a bottle of frozen breast milk?

As others have said, mix it with fresh milk! That did the trick for me. So try a 50/50 mix and slowly raise and lower levels of fresh and frozen to try and have your baby take more frozen.

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

Mix defrosted frozen milk with freshly pumped milk for a feeding (just be sure they are at the same temperature before combining). If the baby is eating solids, use the “soapy” smelling milk to mix in with cereal or other foods to mask the peculiar smell or taste.

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.

Why does frozen breast milk taste bad?

Be that as it may, the temperature range of typical domestic freezer is generally −18°C to −20°C and human breastmilk frozen storage at home is not usually pasteurized before freezing, and so the rancid-flavor development of breastmilk due to lipolysis is generally inevitable under the typical frozen-storage regime.