If your breastfed baby refuses to drink your pumped milk and you notice it has a soapy or metallic smell, you may be dealing with high lipase breast milk. Here’s what nursing mothers need to know about excess lipase activity in their breast milk.
What is High Lipase Breast Milk?
Lipase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down fats in breast milk. When there is an excess of lipase, it can alter the smell, taste, and appearance of the milk after storage. It’s not uncommon for breast milk to undergo changes in scent or flavor after being refrigerated or frozen for a while. If your stored milk smells off, it could be due to high lipase levels.
The good news is that even if you have high lipase breast milk, there are effective ways to manage these changes. You don’t have to discard your pumped milk; it’s still safe for your baby to consume.
Signs of High Lipase Activity
To determine if you have high lipase breast milk, pay attention to the smell and taste of your milk after it has been stored. If it smells soapy or metallic, these may be signs of excess lipase activity. If you’re concerned about your baby’s reaction to the milk, it might help to explore resources like this guide on decreased fetal movement to stay informed about your baby’s health.
Encouraging Your Baby to Drink High Lipase Breast Milk
Whether you’re exclusively pumping, planning to build a freezer stash before returning to work, or preparing for a getaway, knowing how to manage your breast milk is essential. If your baby is hesitant to drink milk with high lipase, you can try warming it slightly before feeding, as this may help improve the taste.
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Summary
In summary, high lipase breast milk can affect the smell and taste of stored milk, but it remains safe for your baby. Understanding this condition can help mothers manage their milk effectively and continue to provide nourishment to their little ones. Resources such as sperm donor matching groups and home insemination options can also assist those on their journey to parenthood.