What is Lipase?
Lipase is an enzyme that is crucial for breastfeeding mothers because it aids in the digestion, breakdown and emulsification of fats that are present in breast milk. This allows infants to efficiently absorb essential nutrients such as vitamins A and D, as well as fatty acids crucial for their growth and development.
However, different mothers may have variations in lipase levels and this can impact the taste and smell of stored breast milk over time. For example, high lipase activity might cause the milk to develop a soapy or rancid odor, although the milk’s nutritional value remains unchanged. So nursing mothers are looking for ways to preserve the taste and quality of their breastmilk, while keeping it nutritious for their babies.
3 Ways To Tell If You Have High Lipase Breastmilk
Although high lipase breast milk is safe and nutritious for the baby, it might have an unusual taste or odor that some infants may refuse. But this change in taste or odor does not mean that the milk is spoiled or harmful. Here are 3 ways to tell if you may have high lipase breast milk.
1.) Unusual Taste or Odor
One of the common signs that you might have high lipase breast milk is the detection of an unusual taste or smell in your expressed milk over time, even if it is properly stored. Some describe it as soapy, metallic, or sour. Although these flavors or odors aren’t harmful, they can still be very off-putting.
2.) The Baby's Reactions
You can also tell by observing your baby’s reaction while feeding. Some babies might display signs of fussiness, reluctance to latch, or even outright refusal to breastfeed if they detect the altered taste or smell of high lipase milk. These reactions can be very distressing.
3.) Testing Milk Samples
A direct way to determine if breast milk has a high lipase content is to sample and test it. To do this, you can express a small amount of milk and refrigerate or freeze it as you normally would. After some time, you can smell and taste the milk to detect any changes. For proper analysis, it is highly recommended to send some samples to a lactation consultant or healthcare provider who will also provide you with a more accurate recommendation.
How To Handle High Lipase Breastfeeding
One of the significant challenges faced by mothers producing high lipase breast milk is the reaction of the stored milk when refrigerated or frozen. This change occurs due to the breakdown of fats in the milk. It does not affect the nutritional quality or safety of the breast milk, but it may have a negative impact on the baby’s willingness to feed. Therefore, the following steps can be taken to treat and handle high lipase breastmilk effectively:
- Scalding the Breastmilk: One of the most common ways to manage high lipase breastmilk is by scalding it before storing. To do this, heat the expressed breastmilk in a saucepan on low heat, ensuring it doesn’t reach boiling point. Once you see small bubbles forming around the edges of the container, remove it from heat immediately. This process deactivates the lipase enzyme, preventing the milk from developing an unpleasant taste when stored.
- Cooling and Storing: After scalding, cool the breastmilk quickly by placing the container in a bowl of cold water or by transferring it to a refrigerator. Once cooled, store the breastmilk in a clean, sterile container. It’s important to label the container with the date to ensure proper rotation and use the oldest milk first.
- Try Different Feeding Techniques: Experiment with feeding the milk to your baby at different temperatures or mixing it with freshly pumped or expressed milk to alleviate the taste and smell. This may cause the baby to accept it more readily.
- Testing Preferences: Some babies may not mind the taste of high lipase breastmilk, while others may reject it. It’s essential to observe your baby’s reaction and preference towards the milk and adjust your handling techniques accordingly.
- Seeking Support: Consult a lactation consultant or a healthcare professional for guidance if you encounter difficulties or have concerns about managing high lipase breastmilk. They can provide personalized advice and support based on your specific situation.
Final Thoughts
Although high lipase breastmilk might present challenges in terms of taste, it’s important to note that it remains safe and nutritious for babies. Mothers producing high lipase breast milk might initially worry about the potential negative impact on their babies’ acceptance of the milk. However, infants are incredibly adaptable and can adjust to the taste changes over time.
By employing techniques like scalding the milk before storage or trying different feeding methods, you can effectively manage high lipase breastmilk. But it is still important to seek guidance and support from a healthcare professional or lactation consultant who will offer further assistance in handling this situation, ensuring a positive breastfeeding experience for both you and your child.
