Why is my baby rejecting my frozen breast milk?

Understanding Your Baby’s Rejection of Frozen Breast Milk
It’s a distressing situation for any parent when their baby suddenly rejects frozen breast milk. This behavior can stem from several factors, and understanding them can help you navigate this challenging phase.
The Role of Lipase
One of the primary reasons your baby might be turning away from frozen breast milk is related to lipase, an enzyme naturally present in breast milk. Lipase helps break down fats, but when breast milk is frozen, the enzyme can sometimes cause changes in taste and smell. If the lipase levels are high, the milk may develop a soapy or rancid flavor after being thawed, which can be off-putting for your baby.
To address this, some parents opt to scald the milk before freezing it. Scalding involves heating the milk until bubbles form around the edges, which deactivates the lipase and preserves the milk’s taste. This simple step can make a significant difference in how your baby perceives the milk.
Changes in Taste and Smell
Beyond lipase, the taste and smell of stored breast milk can change during the freezing process. The freezing and thawing can alter the milk’s composition, leading to a flavor that your baby may find unappealing. Babies are particularly sensitive to taste, and any deviation from what they are accustomed to can lead to rejection.
If your baby is used to fresh milk, the difference in flavor from frozen milk might be enough to cause them to refuse it. Swirling the milk gently after thawing can sometimes help improve its taste, as it can mix the components more evenly.
Other Factors at Play
In addition to lipase and taste, there are other factors that might contribute to your baby’s refusal of frozen breast milk. For instance, if your baby is experiencing teething pain, they might be less inclined to nurse or take a bottle, regardless of the milk’s quality.
Moreover, babies can go through phases where they refuse to breastfeed or take a bottle altogether, often referred to as a nursing strike. This can be a temporary behavior influenced by various factors, including changes in routine, stress, or even developmental milestones.
What You Can Do
If your baby is rejecting frozen breast milk, consider these strategies:
– Scald the milk before freezing to deactivate lipase.
– Experiment with different storage methods to see if that affects the taste.
– Monitor your baby’s overall health and comfort, especially during teething or other developmental changes.
– Consult with a lactation consultant or pediatrician for personalized advice and support.
Understanding the reasons behind your baby’s rejection of frozen breast milk can help you find solutions and ensure that your little one continues to receive the nourishment they need.

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.

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 to know if frozen breastmilk 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.

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.

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.

What to do if baby refuses frozen breast milk?

Some babies readily accept freshly expressed milk but not previously frozen milk. If this describes your baby, try a mix of the two. Start with adding small amounts of previously frozen milk to avoid discarding if your baby is reluctant to take the combination. Gradually add more defrosted milk to the mix.

Why does my baby not like 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.

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.

How do I stop my baby from rejecting my breast?

Remain CALM and offer to nurse in a very GENTLE manner, never force your baby to the breast. You want to offer your breast in a “no pressure” sort of way. Try nursing in various positions, such as side-lying. Whenever possible, co-bathe with your baby (remove all toys and create a relaxing atmosphere).

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.