Ever pumped breast milk and noticed a weird, soapy smell later?
Don’t panic!
You might be dealing with high lipase breast milk.
If your expressed breast milk develops a soapy, metallic, or even fishy smell after storage, you are not alone.
This is a common characteristic of high lipase breast milk, which is perfectly safe for your baby, but might require a little extra attention.
Let’s break it down.
What is Lipase?
Think of lipase as the FAT-BUSTER in breast milk.
It’s an enzyme that naturally helps your baby digest all the good stuff. It breaks down fats in breast milk, making them easier for your little one to digest.
All breast milk have lipase. But some moms just have more of it than others.
What’s Happening in High Lipase Milk?
This extra lipase is a good thing for digestion, but it can also get busy breaking down fats even after you’ve expressed your milk.
This doesn’t affect the nutritional value.
But it can lead to changes in smell and taste as the lipase continues to break down fats, even after the milk is chilled or frozen.
How To Tell if You Got High Lipase Milk
1. The Sniff Test (Smell)
This is your biggest clue.
If your stored milk has a soapy, metallic, or even slightly fishy smell, that’s a strong indication of high lipase activity.
The smell may not be super strong at first, but it can become more noticeable as the milk is stored, especially in the refrigerator.
2. The Taste Test (for the Brave)
Some babies are more sensitive to the taste changes caused by lipase than others.
If your baby seems fussy or frustrated while feeding on stored milk, try offering them freshly expressed milk to see if they respond differently.
That could be a sign that they’re picking up on the altered taste.
3. Looks Can Be Deceiving (Appearance)
Don’t rely on appearance alone.
High lipase milk usually looks just like regular breast milk. It won’t have any discoloration or separation that would indicate spoilage.
Is It Safe for My Baby?
Absolutely!
High lipase milk is completely safe and nutritious for your baby.
The changes are purely sensory, and it doesn’t mean the milk has spoiled.
What Can I Do?
If your baby refuses the milk due to the smell or taste, try these options:
- Immediate Freezing: Freeze freshly expressed milk right away. This significantly slows down the lipase activity and can help preserve the taste for 6-12 months.
- Scalding: Before freezing, heat fresh milk to a near boil (around 180°F or 82°C), then cool it rapidly and freeze. This deactivates the lipase enzyme.
- Mixing: Combine fresh milk with previously frozen milk to dilute the off-putting taste.
- Offer as Is: Many babies don’t mind the taste change at all!
Important Note: Don’t scald milk that’s already been frozen.
How to tell if you have spoiled milk or just high lipase breastmilk
Even though both spoiled breast milk and high lipase breast milk can smell a bit off, there are a few key things to look for to tell them apart.
| Characteristics | High Lipase Milk | Spoiled Breast Milk |
| Smell | Soapy, metallic, or sometimes a bit fishy. It might remind you of hand soap, old coins, or even crayons. | Sour, rancid, or just plain gross. Think spoiled cow’s milk but worse. |
| Taste | Soapy or a tad bitter, but this isn’t always obvious. | Sour or funky – trust your instincts on this one. |
| Appearance | Looks totally normal! No weird chunks, curdling, or unusual color changes, just the usual separation of fat that happens in the fridge. | Looks off – chunky, curdled, or watery in a way that’s different from normal separation. Can also be discolored. |
| Safety | Completely safe for your baby – it’s just the smell and taste that are different. | Nope, don’t feed this to your baby. It’s time to toss it. |
Extra Tips:
- Trust Your Gut (And Your Nose): If your milk doesn’t smell or taste right, don’t risk it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Storage Matters: Improper storage (like not cooling quickly enough or leaving milk out too long) can lead to spoilage.
- If You’re Not Sure, Toss It: Breast milk is awesome, but it’s not worth taking a chance if you have any doubts.
If you’re frequently dealing with high lipase milk, try scalding or freezing your milk immediately after pumping. This will help keep that soapy smell at bay!
When to Seek Help
If you’re concerned about your baby’s feeding habits or have any questions about your breast milk, don’t hesitate to consult a lactation consultant or your pediatrician.
Remember: Every breastfeeding experience is different.
If you have high lipase breast milk, simple adjustments can help you continue providing your baby with the wonderful benefits of breast milk.