High lipase in breast milk is actually quite rare, with only a small number of women experiencing this condition. It is estimated that about 3-5% of breastfeeding women have high lipase activity in their breast milk. So if you find yourself in this situation, please know that you are not alone.
Having high lipase in breast milk means that the lipase enzyme in your milk is more active than usual. Lipase is an enzyme that helps to break down fats in breast milk, allowing babies to digest them more easily. However, in some women, the lipase activity is higher than normal, resulting in a faster breakdown of fats in the milk.
The exact cause of high lipase in breast milk is not fully understood. It is believed to be a variation in the genetic makeup or hormonal factors that affect the production and activity of lipase in the mammary glands. It’s important to note that having high lipase is not a sign of any underlying health condition and does not indicate any problems with the milk itself.
One of the main concerns for women with high lipase is that the milk may develop a soapy or rancid smell and taste over time. This can be off-putting to some babies and may result in them refusing to nurse or take bottles of expressed milk. However, not all babies are sensitive to the changes in taste, and some may not even notice a difference.
If you do have high lipase in your breast milk and your baby does not seem to mind the taste, there is no need to do anything differently. Your milk is still perfectly safe and nutritious for your baby to consume. In fact, high lipase breast milk is still preferred over formula or other alternatives.
However, if your baby does show signs of aversion to the taste, there are a few steps you can take to make the milk more palatable. One option is to scald the milk before storing it. Scalding involves heating the milk to a temperature just below boiling point and then quickly cooling it. This process deactivates the lipase enzyme and prevents the milk from developing the soapy taste.
To scald your milk, you can heat it in a saucepan on the stove or use a bottle warmer specifically designed for breast milk. Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, quickly cool it down by placing the container in a bowl of cold water or an ice bath. Remember to test the temperature before offering it to your baby.
Another option is to mix the high lipase milk with freshly expressed milk. By combining the two, you can dilute the taste of the high lipase milk and make it more palatable for your baby. Experiment with different ratios to find the right balance that your baby prefers.
It’s also worth noting that freezing breast milk can help to preserve the taste, as the lipase enzyme is less active at colder temperatures. So if you plan on storing your milk for longer periods, freezing it may help to maintain its freshness.
High lipase in breast milk is not very common, affecting only a small percentage of breastfeeding women. If you do have high lipase, there’s nothing wrong with you or your milk. While the taste of the milk may change over time, it is still safe and nutritious for your baby to consume. There are steps you can take to make the milk more palatable if your baby shows aversion to the taste. Remember to reach out to a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for further guidance and support if needed.