What does it mean if my breastmilk is high in lipase and is it dangerous for my baby?

Sophie Collins

Breastfeeding is one of the most wonderful but often difficult things we can do as women

The level of worry that comes with being a new mum and breastfeeding has a lot to do with; is my baby getting enough milk? Are they gaining enough weight? Are they settling in between feeds?

It’s a daunting time, but all we can do is our best, and knowing the different things that can affect if and how often a new baby feeds is key.

One thing that can turn a baby off feeding, is if the breast milk is high in Lipase.

Lipase is an enzyme in breastmilk that helps support your little one’s digestive functioning, assists in breaking down triglycerides to release fat-soluble nutrients and protects against infection.

When lipase activity is excessively high, it breaks down fat too quickly, which can lead to breast milk that tastes or smells soapy or metallic, according to experts.

“Lipase is an enzyme that is normally present in human milk. It helps to keep the fat mixed with the whey portion of the milk and keeps fat globules small and more digestible,” as explained by Lilly Lan Chang, M.D., MS, FAAP, a neonatologist at the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Maternal, Fetal & Neonatal Institute.

“By breaking down the milk fat, the fat-soluble vitamins are more available to the infant.”

When someone has too much lipase present in their breastmilk, Dr. Chang told parents.com: “The milk fat begins to break down sooner/faster after expression.”

If you’re wondering if this is dangerous for your new baby, Dr. Chang said that although excess lipase can change the taste of the milk, it is notnharmful for the baby.

Another expert went on to say that it may even have some benefits for your little one.

“It actually is protective from microorganisms and keeps the milk from spoiling,” says Stephanie Nelson, BSN, RN, IBCLC, CCRN-NICU, and co-owner a lactation consultant business Success Lactation Specialists, LLC.

Nelson also confirmed that she is seeing more and more patients presenting with high lipase breastmilk while Dr. Chang explained that “once the milk becomes affected by the lipase, there is no way to treat it.”

If your baby is still feeding with no issues, you don’t need to worry about it. However, if they start to refuse the milk because of the new taste, Nelson said: “You can scald your milk on the stove in a pan prior to freezing to stop the lipase activity.”

Another alternative is using a few drops of alcohol-free vanilla extract to the milk.