Signs of high lipase in breastmilk
Contents
What Is Lipase in Breast Milk?
Lipase is a naturally occurring enzyme in breast milk that helps break down fats, making them easier for your baby to digest and absorb. It’s essential for your baby’s nutrition — but in some women, lipase activity is unusually high, which can cause changes in the milk’s smell and taste after storage.
Signs of High Lipase in Breast Milk
You might have high lipase activity if your expressed and stored breast milk develops an unusual odor or taste, especially after refrigeration or freezing.
Common Signs:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Soapy smell | Most commonly described as “soapy,” like dish detergent. |
| Metallic, sour, or rancid smell | Some moms say it smells like old pennies or vomit. |
| Unusual taste | Tastes metallic, bitter, or soapy after being stored. |
| Baby refuses bottle | The baby may refuse to drink the milk or drink less due to the off taste. |
Freshly pumped milk will usually smell/taste fine — changes happen after a few hours or days in storage.
Causes of High Lipase Activity
- Genetic variation — some women naturally produce more lipase.
- Longer storage times — lipase has more time to act on fats.
- Refrigeration or freezing — slows bacteria but doesn’t stop enzyme action.
It’s not harmful to the baby — the milk is still safe and nutritious, even with an altered taste.
How to Confirm If It’s High Lipase
- Smell test: Pump fresh milk and store small amounts.
- Time test:
- Smell the milk after 1–2 hours.
- Check again after 12, 24, and 48 hours refrigerated or frozen.
- Taste test: Taste the milk yourself at the same intervals.
If the milk starts to develop a soapy, sour, or rancid smell/taste after storage but was fine fresh, it’s likely high lipase.
What Can You Do About It?
1. Scald the milk
- Heat freshly expressed milk to about 180°F (82°C) (small bubbles around the edge, but not boiling).
- Cool and store as usual.
- Scalding deactivates lipase but may reduce some nutrients.
2. Use milk before it changes
- Use refrigerated milk within 24 hours before it turns.
- Freeze milk immediately after pumping to slow lipase action.
3. Mix stored milk with fresh milk
- If your baby rejects stored milk, try blending small amounts of it with fresh milk.
4. Flavor masking (less common)
- Some moms report success adding a drop of vanilla extract (alcohol-free) to mask taste — check with your pediatrician first.
When to Talk to a Professional
- If your baby consistently refuses bottles, has weight gain issues, or you’re unsure if lipase is the issue.
- A lactation consultant can help test, confirm, and guide your scalding/storage process.
Summary
| Topic | Info |
|---|---|
| Is it dangerous? | No, it’s safe — just tastes/smells different. |
| Main issue | Baby may refuse it due to altered flavor. |
| Fixes | Scald milk, use it fresh, freeze fast, or mix with fresh. |
| Help | Lactation consultant can offer support and alternatives. |
FAQs
What is high lipase in breast milk?
Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fats in breast milk. High lipase activity means this process happens more quickly than usual, especially during storage, causing the milk to develop a strange smell or taste after a few hours or days.
How do I know if my breast milk has high lipase?
You might suspect high lipase if:
Fresh milk smells/tastes normal but stored milk smells soapy, metallic, or sour
Your baby refuses stored milk but drinks freshly pumped milk
The milk develops an off taste after refrigeration or freezing
What does high lipase breast milk smell or taste like?
Smell: Soapy, metallic, sour, or rancid
Taste: Soapy, bitter, metallic
Is high lipase breast milk safe for my baby?
Yes. The milk is still nutritious and safe. The only issue is the taste — some babies may reject it.
What can I do if my baby won’t drink milk with high lipase?
You can try:
Scalding the milk right after pumping (to deactivate lipase)
Using it quickly (within 24 hours if refrigerated)
Freezing it immediately after pumping
Mixing stored milk with fresh milk to mask the flavor
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