Why does my frozen breast milk smell bad?

Understanding the Smell of Frozen Breast Milk
For many new parents, the experience of expressing and storing breast milk is both rewarding and fraught with questions. One common concern is the unpleasant smell that can develop in frozen breast milk. This issue can be alarming, especially for those who have invested time and effort into building a supply. So, what causes this odor, and should you be worried?
The Role of Lipase
One of the primary culprits behind the strange smell in frozen breast milk is lipase, an enzyme naturally present in human milk. Lipase plays a crucial role in breaking down fats, making them easier for infants to digest. However, this enzyme can continue to act even when the milk is frozen, leading to the breakdown of fats and the release of fatty acids. This process can result in a smell that some parents describe as soapy or metallic.
While this enzymatic activity is normal, it can be more pronounced in some women, leading to a stronger odor. Interestingly, many mothers report that their milk smells fine when freshly expressed but develops an unusual scent upon thawing. This phenomenon is particularly common among those with higher levels of lipase in their milk.
Distinguishing Between Normal and Spoiled Milk
It’s essential to differentiate between the typical smell caused by lipase and the smell of spoiled milk. Fresh breast milk generally has a mild, sweet scent, akin to that of cows’ milk but less intense. In contrast, spoiled milk may emit a sour or rancid odor, which is often a sign of chemical oxidation rather than lipase activity. If your milk smells sour, it may be best to discard it, as this indicates that it has gone bad.
Managing the Smell
For parents concerned about the smell of their frozen breast milk, there are a few strategies to consider. One approach is to scald the milk before freezing it. This process involves heating the milk to about 180°F (82°C) for a few minutes, which inactivates the lipase enzyme. By doing so, you can prevent the breakdown of fats and the subsequent odor development.
Additionally, proper storage techniques can help maintain the quality of breast milk. Ensure that the milk is stored in clean, airtight containers and that your freezer is set to the appropriate temperature to keep the milk frozen solid.
Conclusion
In summary, while a bad smell from frozen breast milk can be concerning, it is often a result of lipase activity rather than spoilage. Understanding the role of this enzyme and taking steps to manage it can help alleviate worries for breastfeeding parents. If the smell is sour or rancid, however, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard the milk.

Why does my frozen breastmilk smell?

As the breastmilk sits in cool temperatures (fridge or freezer), the lipase starts to break down the fat in the milk. The longer it sits, the more you may start to notice the soapy or metallic smell/taste.

What if baby drinks spoiled breast milk?

Can babies get sick from old 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.

When should you not use frozen breast milk?

Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of a deep freezer for up to 12 months. However, using the frozen milk within six months is optimal.

Does high lipase milk smell?

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.

How to tell if breast milk has freezer burn?

If you store breast milk in the freezer as you should, you may have noticed ice crystals forming in the milk. When you thaw it, you catch a whiff of a sour odor. Does this mean the milk has gone bad? No, this is just the sign of freezer burn in your breast milk.

Can you smell spoiled breast milk?

If your milk smells “sour” or “rancid” this can be from oxidation. These changes may occur shortly after the milk is expressed, or it may occur after the expressed milk is frozen and then defrosted.

How do you get the bad taste out of frozen breast milk?

You might try a few drops of non alcoholic vanilla extract in the milk. It worked to cover weird tastes from food I ate and high lipase. If that doesn’t work, you can always use the milk in things like pancakes or purées.

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.

How do I know if my 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.

What happens if a baby drinks spoiled breast milk?

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