Breastfeeding is one of those things you think will just work until you hit a hiccup—like I did when I discovered all my frozen milk had gone “bad.” I had a whole freezer stash ready for Hayes, and when I pulled some out to feed him, he wasn’t a fan whatsoever. What was happening?

After some sleuthing, I learned about high lipase milk. High lipase is a natural enzyme in breast milk that breaks down fats, which is great for digestion but not so great for storage. It can cause frozen milk to develop a soapy or sour smell and taste. And even though the milk is perfectly safe, some are extra picky about it (Hayes included).

I got so many tips from you guys and the internet, but I wish I’d known to test my milk before freezing an entire stash. Once I figured it out, I started using the scalding method, where you heat fresh milk on the stove until tiny bubbles form around the edges (but before boiling), then cool it quickly and freeze. This stops the enzyme activity that causes the flavor change. It was a game-changer for us moving forward.

Read more here for when I found out all my milk I had froze went “bad.”

Tips For Mamas With High Lipase Milk

Here are some ways to tackle high lipase if you’re facing the same challenge:

1. Test Early To Know If Your Milk Is Affected
   Apparently, your breast milk can change with each baby you have, so it’s helpful to know early on if your milk is affected. Freeze a small amount of milk for a few days, then thaw and taste or smell it. This quick test can save you from building a stash your baby might reject.
2. Scald Your Milk
   If your milk is high lipase, heat freshly pumped milk (or milk that has been in the fridge for one or two days depending on how high lipase your milk really is) in a saucepan on the stove until you see bubbles form around the edges (just below boiling), stirring constantly. I cool the saucepan quickly in an ice bath, then disperse into portioned milk freezer bags, label, and freeze. While this can slightly reduce nutrients, it keeps the milk palatable for your baby. I figure that if I’m able to continue nursing and pumping on-demand, he’s going to get all the nutrients he needs from my milk, and we will just supplement with the scalded frozen milk whenever we decide to implement that.
3. Mix Fresh and Frozen
   If your baby dislikes the taste of the frozen high-lipase milk, try mixing it with fresh milk to see if that helps.
4. Use Alcohol-Free Vanilla
   I have yet to try this tip, but so many people recommended it. It can mask the bad taste of the high-lipase milk enough for some babies to consume.
5. Use Your Milk Strategically
   Even if your baby won’t drink it straight, high lipase milk can still be used other baby-friendly recipes once they’re older. I.e. mixing with purees, in smoothies, etc.
6. Use In Milk Baths Or For Skin Issues
   This is a big one! Breast milk is so healing topically. If your baby has a diaper rash, eczema, or another skin condition, try adding your frozen high lipase milk to their warm baths.
7. Consider Milk Donation
   If your baby truly won’t drink the milk, look into donating to a milk bank where it can help other babies in need.

Breastfeeding is hard enough without feeling like your hard-earned milk is wasted. High lipase doesn’t mean you can’t have a stash—it just means a few extra steps. Hang in there, mama. You’re doing amazing!