High Lipase

My frozen breast milk has a weird, soapy smell. I followed the storage guidelines—can I still give it to my baby?

It sounds like your breast milk may contain high lipase. Lipase is a helpful enzyme found in breast milk that breaks down fat and releases fatty acids. When milk is pumped and stored, enzymes like lipase continue to work. Over time, this can cause a soapy, metallic, fishy or even sour smell.

High lipase—along with breast milk being exposed to air before storage, and the process of freezing and thawing—can also change the smell. 

Can my baby drink it?

As long as the milk was stored properly, it is safe for your baby to drink, despite the smell. Most babies will drink it without any issues. Your baby has already been exposed to many flavors in your breast milk, as the taste changes based on what you eat. 

What if my baby refuses to drink it?

Research shows that high-lipase breast milk is not harmful, and babies who refuse it are reacting to the taste or smell—not because it’s contaminated. If your baby doesn’t usually refuse a bottle and you think the smell might be the cause, try the following tips:

• Limit how long milk stays in the freezer. 
  • Use the oldest milk first. 
  • Many working moms pump for the next day’s feedings, reducing the need to freeze milk.
  • Don’t stress about building a big freezer stash—a small backup supply is enough for emergencies.
• Store breast milk at the coldest temperature possible to slow changes.
  • Even though freshly pumped breast milk is safe in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, freeze it sooner (within 1-2 days). 
  • Store milk in the back of the freezer, away from the door.
• Thaw breast milk gradually.
  • Move it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight.
  • Keep it in the storage bag and thaw it in warm water.
• Mix freshly pumped milk with frozen milk to help mask the taste. 
  • Make sure both are the same temperature before mixing.
• Nurse as often as you can when you’re with your baby to reduce the need for pumped milk. 
  • Nurse right before daycare drop-off and at pick-up. 
  • Some babies will “reverse-cycle,” getting most of their calories when they’re with mom.

Trial-and-Error Solutions

• Scald breast milk to slow lipase activity.
  • This should be a last resort, as scalding can remove some important nutrients/components. However, if your baby refuses high-lipase milk and you’ve tried everything else, scalding is still better than switching to formula.
    • Right after pumping, heat the milk on the stove over low heat. 
    • Remove it as soon as small bubbles form around the edges—do not boil.
    • Let the milk cool in the pot before freezing.

• Lower the suction and speed on your breast pump.
  • Some moms say this improves the smell of their milk, though there’s no research to confirm it.

Final Thoughts

Noticing a strange smell in your breast milk can be concerning. However, if it’s been stored and handled properly, it’s still safe and full of benefits for your baby—smell and all. 

Your breast milk is a living substance that changes to meet the needs of your growing baby. Learn more about the benefits here.

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Source:

https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/smell-human-milk/