High Lipase Breast Milk

Do you have high lipase breast milk?

I first learned about high lipase breast milk when I was working as a nanny. I was caring for a newborn and one day while preparing his bottle, I noticed a difference in the milk. It smelled different, like it had gone bad. But how could that be? Ths mom had just pumped the milk the night before. So I went upstairs to tell her and we both agreed to see if the baby would drink the milk. He did. But this led to an afternoon of unexpected research to figure out what was going on with her milk. What had she eaten recently? Was she sick? Was this a one time thing? Should she call her OBGYN? And most importantly, would the baby experience any adverse affects after consuming the milk?

​​For many breastfeeding mothers, pumping and storing breast milk offers flexibility and peace of mind. But some discover an unexpected twist: after storing breast milk, it smells or tastes soapy, metallic, or even rancid. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with high lipase breast milk. While it can be frustrating, the good news is that your milk is still safe and valuable for your baby.

What Is High Lipase Breast Milk?
Lipase is a naturally occurring enzyme in breast milk that helps break down fats, making the milk easier for your baby to digest. In some individuals, lipase activity is higher than average. This can cause stored breast milk (especially when refrigerated or frozen) to develop a distinct smell or taste after just a few hours or days.

What Causes High Lipase?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it's believed to be simply a matter of individual body chemistry. High lipase levels don’t mean there’s something wrong with you or your milk, just that the enzyme is working very efficiently.

Is It Safe to Feed Baby?
Yes, breast milk with high lipase is completely safe and still highly nutritious. However, some babies may reject it due to the altered taste. If your baby refuses stored milk, there are still ways to make it work.

​How to Feed Your Baby With High Lipase Milk
1. Scald Your Milk Before Storing- If your baby rejects unmodified high lipase milk, scalding may help. This process deactivates the lipase enzyme before it can change the milk's flavor.

• Heat freshly pumped milk in a small pot until bubbles form around the edges (about 180°F or 82°C), but do not boil.
• Immediately cool it in an ice bath.
• Store as usual in the refrigerator or freezer.

Please Note: Scalding may reduce some of the milk’s immune properties, but it still remains a far better option than formula in most cases.

2. Test Milk Storage Time Limits- If scalding isn’t ideal, experiment with how long your milk can be stored before the taste changes. Some high-lipase milk is fine for 24 hours or more in the fridge before becoming off-tasting. Feeding it within this window might work.

3. Mix With Fresh Milk- Some babies will take stored milk more easily if it's mixed with freshly expressed milk to dilute the altered flavor.

Other Uses for High Lipase Milk
​If you find yourself with milk that your baby won’t drink, don’t throw it out! Here are other meaningful and creative ways to use it:

• Milk Baths- Breast milk baths can soothe diaper rash, eczema, and dry skin. Just add 1–2 ounces to your baby’s bath water.
• Breast Milk Lotion or Soap- DIY breast milk lotion and soap are great for your baby’s skin and they make thoughtful keepsakes or gifts.
• Donate It- Some milk banks will accept high lipase milk, especially if you have a surplus and it’s otherwise healthy. Always check their guidelines first.
• Use in Solids- Once your baby starts solids, you can mix breast milk into purées or oatmeal. The flavor may be masked enough that baby won’t mind the taste.
• Breast Milk Jewelry- Some artisans can create keepsake jewelry using your breast milk, offering a beautiful way to honor your breastfeeding journey.

High lipase breast milk might throw a curveball into your pumping plans, but it doesn't mean the end of breastfeeding success. With a few tweaks, you can still feed your baby and make the most of every drop. Remember, your milk is amazing, even with a soapy twist.

Have you dealt with high lipase milk? What worked for you? Share your story in the comments below.