Why do I have high lipase in my breast milk?

Understanding High Lipase in Breast Milk
High lipase levels in breast milk can be a surprising and concerning issue for nursing mothers. Lipase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats, breaking them down into fatty acids that are easier for infants to absorb. However, when lipase levels are excessively high, it can lead to changes in the milk’s taste and smell, which may cause some babies to refuse it.
Causes of High Lipase Levels
The presence of high lipase in breast milk is not uncommon, and it can occur for several reasons. One primary factor is the natural variation in lipase activity among women. Some mothers simply produce milk with higher lipase levels, which can lead to a soapy or metallic taste, especially after the milk has been stored in the refrigerator or freezer. This change in flavor can be attributed to the breakdown of fats, which occurs more rapidly in some women than in others.
Effects on Feeding
For mothers who pump and store their milk, high lipase can pose a significant challenge. Babies may refuse to drink milk that has developed an off-putting taste or smell, leading to frustration for both the mother and child. This refusal can be particularly distressing if the mother has worked hard to express and store her milk, only to find that her baby rejects it.
Managing High Lipase Milk
Fortunately, there are strategies to manage high lipase levels in breast milk. One effective method is to scald the milk before storing it. By heating the milk to just below boiling and then cooling it quickly, mothers can deactivate the lipase enzyme, preventing the undesirable changes in taste and smell. This process can help ensure that the milk remains palatable for the baby, even after being stored.
Additionally, mothers can experiment with different storage methods. For instance, using smaller containers for freezing can help minimize the time the milk spends in storage, potentially reducing the impact of lipase activity.
Conclusion
While high lipase in breast milk can be a source of concern, understanding its causes and effects can empower mothers to take proactive steps. By employing techniques such as scalding the milk and adjusting storage practices, mothers can help ensure that their babies receive the nourishment they need without the added worry of milk rejection.

Why is my milk suddenly high lipase?

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 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).

Is milk high in lipase bad for baby?

There is no evidence that high lipase milk is bad for your baby or that it will create problems in the future.

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 happens if you don’t take prenatals while breastfeeding?

“It’s no longer recommended or required to take a prenatal vitamin during lactation. Moms get enough nutrients from eating a well-balanced diet to maintain optimal health,” said Dr. Dulabon. “However, if mom has diet restrictions, such as eating vegan or dairy-free, supplements may be recommended.

How to tell the difference between high lipase 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.

What causes lipase to spike?

Lipase may also be elevated as a result of other intra-abdominal pathologies arising from the stomach, bowel and hepatobiliary tract, and from neoplastic disease. Diabetes, drugs and infection can also be responsible for lipase levels of three or more times the ULN.

How do you prevent high lipase in breast milk?

Scald your breastmilk to reduce high lipase.
If your breastmilk does have high lipase, you can scald your milk before freezing or storing to prevent this from happening.

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.

What if baby drinks bad breast milk?

If your baby has had spoiled breast milk, they’ll likely let you know. They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever. It’s important to call your pediatrician if you think your baby may be sick from having spoiled breast milk.