10/19/2025
All I hear when people say, “high lipase” - is one more way to insinuate a mama’s milk is not good enough.
“Lipase-mediated triglyceride breakdown, releasing fatty acids. The odour likely comes from the oxidation of these fatty acids” (1)
It is suggested that this process prevents the growth microorganisms on the thawed milk.
The foods we consume can have an unpleasant odour, like eggs, cheese and fish - and they taste fine. There’s some types of cheese that I wouldn’t want to be near, yet SO many people pay a lot of $ for it!
“The breast is an endocrine organ and sweat gland, breastmilk may smell in the same way our armpits or groins smell. Humans are smelly animals”(2)
Next time your baby refuses their bottle of ‘high lipase’ milk, try to remember:
What came first? The smell or the refusal?
Meaning, some babies may actually refuse the milk because it’s not their usual source. Afterall, babies prefer the warmth and smell of their mama
*It is not indicated or recommended to scald the milk prior to freezing.
(1) ABM Clinical Protocol #8:
Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use
for Full-Term Infants, Revised 2017
(2) Mitchell, Dr. K: Physician Guide to Breastfeeding
