“High Lipase” Breastmilk

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    There is no scientific evidence to support the concept of high lipase breastmilk from the freezer.  Milk may smell bad after thawing, but it is from general breakdown of fatty acids rather than an abnormally high content of lipase.  Because 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 :). In addition, babies may dislike bottle milk because they prefer feeding at mom’s breasts, with her warmth and smell. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Human Milk Storage Protocol reviews the fact there is no evidence to support the concept of “high lipase” and IABLE has an excellent podcast on this topic as well.

    Frozen milk ready for donation
    Frozen milk ready for donation. This milk may smell when it is defrosted, but it doesn’t have “high lipase.”

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    August 18, 2026