Soapy Smelling Breast Milk

Okay, who doesn’t love baby snuggles after a nice bath. Baby smells sweet and soapy. My little one smells like orange vanilla thanks to the Honest Company. But what about when soapy is a little concerning? Nope, we’re no longer talking bath time. What about when your breast milk smells soapy?

Some mothers notice a soapy smell to breast milk that has been expressed and cooled or expressed, frozen and then thawed. This interesting milk dilemma is due to changes in lipid structure during the freezing process or excess lipase enzyme in the breast milk that then breaks down the fat in the breast milk. Some mothers experience this, others do not. I’d like to point out right here before going on that this does not make your breast milk bad and if your little one drinks it without a complaint that’s wonderful! For others, though, sometimes baby rejects this soapy smelling milk. Here are some suggestions if your little one refuses the milk.

· It is recommended that the milk not be thrown out. Only toss milk that smells foul or sour. Soapy smelling milk is still good for baby.

· You can try mixing freshly expressed milk with thawed milk to see if baby accepts it.

· Consider using the milk for a baby that is taking solids. This milk can be added to a cereal or puree for a first favorite. Or even made into a baby smoothie for older babies. Is your baby not ready for solids yet? Keep in mind that breast milk can be safely frozen for up to 6 months in a freezer and up to 12 months in a deep freezer.

· Scald milk immediately following expression to stop the activation of lipase, thus reducing/eliminating the soapy smell. To scald: add to a pan, look for bubbles at edges but not boiling, cool quickly, then add to freezer bags and freeze. Many mothers find baby then accepts the heat-treated milk once thawed.

· Or, if you truly are not interested in utilizing the soapy smelling milk, please consider donating it. For more information on donating breast milk check out the Human Milk Banking Association of North America here: https://www.hmbana.org/donate-milk.

· And as always, continue to nurse your baby on demand when noticing baby’s cues.

If you’re experiencing any other breastfeeding question or concern, let’s connect. Contact Pure Milk Mom today by emailing puremilkmom@gmail.com.

Best,

Grace