Why is my baby rejecting frozen breast milk?

Understanding Why Your Baby Might Reject Frozen Breast Milk
If you find that your baby is rejecting frozen breast milk, it can be a perplexing and concerning situation for any parent. Several factors could contribute to this behavior, and understanding them can help you navigate this challenge effectively.
1. Lipase Levels in Breast Milk
One of the most common reasons for a baby rejecting frozen breast milk is the presence of lipase, an enzyme naturally found in breast milk. Lipase plays a crucial role in breaking down fats, which is beneficial for your baby’s digestion. However, when breast milk is frozen or stored for an extended period, lipase can cause the milk to develop a soapy or metallic taste. This change in flavor may lead some babies to refuse the milk altogether, as they may find it unpalatable.
To address this issue, some parents opt to scald the milk before freezing it. This process involves heating the milk to just below boiling and then cooling it quickly before storage. By doing this, you can deactivate the lipase, potentially preserving the milk’s taste and making it more acceptable to your baby.
2. Changes in Feeding Preferences
Babies can be quite particular about their feeding preferences, and sometimes they may simply prefer fresh milk over frozen. This preference can be influenced by various factors, including the temperature of the milk or the way it is presented. For instance, if your baby is used to warm, fresh milk, they might reject milk that has been thawed and is at a different temperature.
Additionally, if your baby is going through a developmental stage, such as teething or experiencing a growth spurt, they may become more finicky about feeding. During these times, they might refuse milk altogether, whether it’s fresh or frozen.
3. Nursing Strikes and Behavioral Factors
Another aspect to consider is the phenomenon known as a nursing strike. This occurs when a baby suddenly refuses to breastfeed or take a bottle, which can be distressing for both the baby and the parent. Various reasons can trigger a nursing strike, including discomfort, distractions, or even changes in routine.
If your baby is experiencing a nursing strike, it’s essential to remain calm and patient. You might try different feeding positions, offer the milk in a different bottle, or even use a syringe or cup to feed them. Sometimes, simply allowing your baby to explore the bottle or breast without pressure can help them return to feeding.
Conclusion
In summary, if your baby is rejecting frozen breast milk, it could be due to the effects of lipase, changes in their feeding preferences, or a temporary nursing strike. Understanding these factors can help you find solutions that work for both you and your baby. If the issue persists or if you have concerns about your baby’s feeding habits, consulting with a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide additional support and guidance.

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 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.

How to get rid of high lipase in frozen breast milk?

Mix the high-lipase frozen milk with freshly expressed milk: Mixing frozen and fresh breast milk can reduce the lipase activity in the thawed frozen breast milk and minimize the development of any unwanted tastes or smells. Thaw your frozen breast milk in the refrigerator overnight or under warm running water.

Why won’t my baby take frozen breast milk?

Sometimes there are slight changes in the taste and smell of milk that has been frozen due to the enzymes naturally present in breastmilk. Those changes are not harmful and don’t matter to most babies. However, some babies do have a noticeable preference for milk that has not been previously frozen.

What are the symptoms of a high lipase level?

What are the symptoms of high lipase? Symptoms depend on what’s causing your high lipase. For example, the most common symptom of acute pancreatitis is abdominal pain that radiates to your lower back. Other symptoms, like fever and nausea, may also signal a condition associated with high lipase levels.

Is high lipase milk bad for baby?

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.

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.

How can I make frozen breast milk taste better for my baby?

Mix frozen breastmilk with freshly pumped milk.
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.

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.