Why does my baby not like my frozen breast milk?

Understanding Your Baby’s Dislike for Frozen Breast Milk
It’s not uncommon for parents to encounter the frustrating situation where their baby refuses to drink frozen breast milk. This can be disheartening, especially when you’ve put in the effort to express and store milk for your little one. Several factors could contribute to this rejection, and understanding them can help you navigate this challenge.
The Role of Lipase
One of the primary reasons your baby might not like frozen breast milk is related to lipase, an enzyme naturally present in human milk. Lipase helps break down fats, which is beneficial for digestion. However, when breast milk is frozen, lipase can continue to act on the milk, leading to changes in taste and smell. Some parents report that milk with high lipase activity can develop a soapy or metallic odor, which may be off-putting to babies.
Interestingly, while some babies may reject milk that has undergone this change, many do not seem to notice the difference. However, if your baby is particularly sensitive to taste, this could be a significant factor in their refusal.
Nutritional Quality vs. Taste
It’s important to note that despite these changes in flavor, frozen breast milk retains most of its nutritional value. The essential nutrients and antibodies remain intact, even if the taste is altered. This means that while your baby may turn away from the milk due to its flavor, it is still providing the necessary nutrition when consumed.
Solutions to Improve Acceptance
If you suspect that lipase is the issue, there are a few strategies you can employ. One effective method is to scald the milk before freezing it. This process involves heating the milk until bubbles form around the edges, which deactivates the lipase enzyme. After scalding, quickly cool the milk and then freeze it. This can help preserve the taste and prevent the soapy smell from developing.
Additionally, some parents have found that gently swirling the milk before feeding can improve its taste, making it more palatable for their baby.
Conclusion
In summary, if your baby is rejecting frozen breast milk, it could be due to the effects of lipase on the milk’s taste and smell. While this can be frustrating, understanding the underlying reasons allows you to take steps to improve the situation. By scalding the milk before freezing and experimenting with feeding techniques, you may find a solution that works for both you and your baby. Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another, so patience and experimentation are key.

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.

Does freezing breastmilk affect quality?

Thawed milk is an excellent alternative when fresh breast milk isn’t available. Previously frozen breast milk has similar nutrient and antibody content to fresh milk. It does lose a small amount of those qualities but can still provide a baby with the nutrition it needs.

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.

How to tell if milk has high lipase?

The most notable signs of high lipase milk are changes in taste and smell. You might notice your milk having a scent or taste similar to metallic, vomit, eggs, soap, or fishy. The appearance of the milk might also change, though this isn’t always the case.

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 if my baby doesn’t like frozen breast milk?

What should I try if my baby is refusing my stored milk because of high lipase? Mix defrosted frozen milk with freshly pumped milk for a feeding (just be sure they are at the same temperature before combining).

How much frozen breast milk should I have?

How much milk should you save. As a working parent, a good goal for your milk stash is 3-5 days (or 36 to 80 ounces) of milk in the freezer before starting back to work, although the amount ultimately depends on how long you’ll be away from your little one each day.

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.

Why does my baby not like the taste of my breast milk?

Unusual scents or tastes.
Changes in your smell due to a new soap, perfume, lotion or deodorant might cause your baby to lose interest in breastfeeding. Changes in the taste of breast milk — triggered by the food you eat, medication, your period or getting pregnant again — also can trigger a breastfeeding strike.