Understanding High Lipase in Breastmilk
Hi mama! If you’ve noticed that your stored breastmilk has a soapy or metallic smell—or maybe your baby turns their nose up at it—you’re not alone. As a lactation consultant and mom, I’ve had many moms reach out worried about this, and the answer is often something called high lipase. The good news? It’s completely normal, and there are ways to manage it while continuing to provide your baby with all the goodness of breastmilk. Let’s dive in!
What is Lipase?
Lipase is an enzyme naturally found in breastmilk. Its job is to break down fats into smaller, digestible parts, making it easier for your baby to absorb essential nutrients. Think of lipase as a helpful little assistant, ensuring your milk is packed with digestible energy for your baby.
However, some moms produce breastmilk with higher-than-average levels of lipase. This can speed up the breakdown of fats, sometimes altering the smell or taste of the milk after it’s been stored.
How to Tell if You Have High Lipase Milk
If you’re wondering whether high lipase might be affecting your stored milk, here are some common signs:
Strange Smell or Taste: Your milk might develop a soapy, metallic, or even fishy smell after being refrigerated or frozen.
Baby’s Refusal: While the milk is still safe and nutritious, some babies may reject milk with altered taste.
To confirm, you can try this simple test:
Pump a small amount of fresh milk.
Divide it into two containers. Freeze one and refrigerate the other.
After a few hours, compare the smell or taste of the stored milk with a sample of fresh milk. If there’s a significant change, high lipase could be the culprit.
What to Do if You Have High Lipase Milk
The first thing to know is that milk with high lipase is completely safe to feed your baby. However, if your baby dislikes the taste, there are steps you can take to work around it:
Scald the Milk Before Storing: Heating freshly pumped milk to just below boiling (around 180°F or when small bubbles form at the edges) can deactivate the lipase enzyme. Cool it down quickly and then store it. While this process slightly reduces some of the beneficial properties of breastmilk, it’s still a fantastic source of nutrition for your baby.
Mix Fresh and Stored Milk: Some babies are more accepting of high-lipase milk when it’s mixed with freshly expressed milk. Start with small amounts and adjust the ratio as needed.
Use Milk Quickly: If possible, refrigerate milk for short periods (1-2 days) rather than freezing it, as lipase activity tends to increase over time in frozen milk.
Explore Donor Milk or Formula: If scalding or other techniques don’t work for your situation, it’s okay to consider supplementing with donor milk or formula. Your breastfeeding journey is about what works best for you and your baby.
Encouragement for Moms with High Lipase Milk
Learning about high lipase in breastmilk can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve worked so hard to pump and store milk for your baby. But remember, you’re doing an amazing job. High lipase doesn’t change the fact that your milk is nourishing, filled with love, and exactly what your baby needs.
It’s also okay to feel a little frustrated or disappointed—those emotions are valid. Reach out to lactation consultants, support groups, or fellow moms who understand. There’s a community ready to lift you up.
Celebrate Your Unique Breastfeeding Journey
Every mom’s breastfeeding story is unique, and high lipase is just one of the many ways that individuality can show up. At Mama Milk Fairy, we specialize in creating keepsake jewelry from your breastmilk, helping you celebrate your one-of-a-kind journey. Even if breastfeeding wasn’t possible, we can craft keepsakes from formula, umbilical cords, or locks of hair—because every journey deserves to be cherished.