Why does my breast milk smell after defrosting?

Understanding the Smell of Defrosted Breast Milk
Breastfeeding mothers often encounter a perplexing issue: the smell of their breast milk after it has been defrosted. While many expect breast milk to have a sweet, mild aroma, defrosted milk can sometimes emit a soapy or metallic scent. This phenomenon can be attributed primarily to the activity of lipase, an enzyme naturally present in human milk.
The Role of Lipase
Lipase is crucial for breaking down fats in breast milk, making them more digestible for infants. However, this enzyme continues to function even when the milk is frozen. As the milk thaws, lipase can further break down the fats, releasing fatty acids that contribute to the unusual odors. This enzymatic activity can lead to a smell that some mothers describe as soapy or rancid, although it does not indicate that the milk has spoiled or lost its nutritional value.
Factors Influencing the Smell
Several factors can influence the smell of stored breast milk:
1. Storage Conditions: Breast milk that is not stored properly or is exposed to air can develop off-odors. It’s essential to use airtight containers and to minimize exposure to light and air during storage.
2. Diet and Medications: A mother’s diet can also affect the smell and taste of her milk. Foods like garlic, onions, or certain spices can impart distinct flavors and odors to breast milk. Additionally, medications taken by the mother may alter the milk’s characteristics.
3. Freshness at Freezing: The initial quality of the milk before freezing plays a significant role. If the milk was fresh and smelled fine when frozen, the smell after thawing is likely due to lipase activity rather than spoilage.
Is It Safe?
Despite the unusual smell, it’s important to note that breast milk with a strong odor due to lipase activity is generally safe for infants. The nutritional benefits of breast milk remain intact, and many babies will accept milk with these characteristics without issue. However, if the milk smells distinctly sour or rancid, it may indicate spoilage, and in such cases, it is advisable to discard it.
Managing the Smell
For mothers concerned about the smell of their defrosted breast milk, there are a few strategies to consider:
– Heat Treatment: Some mothers choose to heat-treat their milk before freezing it. This process can deactivate lipase, preventing the breakdown of fats and the subsequent odor.
– Experimenting with Storage: Trying different storage methods or containers may help minimize exposure to air and light, potentially reducing off-odors.
In conclusion, while the smell of defrosted breast milk can be surprising, it is often a natural result of lipase activity and does not compromise the milk’s safety or nutritional value. Understanding these factors can help mothers navigate the complexities of breastfeeding and milk storage with greater confidence.

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 spoiled breast milk?

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

What does high lipase milk smell like?

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 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.

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.

Can my baby drink high lipase milk?

WHAT CAN I do about it? First thing’s first, having high lipase milk does not mean your milk is “bad”! Some babies take high lipase milk without thought. Yes, it is perfectly safe for babies to drink high lipase milk.

Is it normal for thawed breast milk to smell?

Freezing and thawing breast milk can have a big impact on taste and smell. Some notice that after defrosting, the milk smells unpleasant — soapy or even sour. This is normal! Breast milk contains lipase, an enzyme that is normally present in human milk and has a lot of benefits.

How long is breast milk good for after thawing?

Using thawed breastmilk
Milk thawed in the refrigerator must be used within 24 hours. Milk thawed to room temperature or warmer should ideally be used in 1 to 2 hours. If your baby didn’t finish the bottle, the leftover breastmilk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is done feeding.

How do I know if my breast milk is bad for my baby?

That doesn’t always mean it’s soured or spoiled, but you should talk to your doctor or lactation specialist about what to do if your breast milk tastes or smells bad or your baby doesn’t like it. You may need to avoid certain foods, change how you pump or store your milk, or make other lifestyle changes.

How to know if thawed 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.