Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey for both mothers and babies. However, sometimes mothers notice that their breastmilk smells metallic. This can be confusing and worrying. This blog will explore why breastmilk smells metallic and what you can do about it. Let’s dive into the world of breastmilk and understand this common concern.

What is Breastmilk?

Breastmilk is the natural food for babies. It provides all the nutrients a baby needs to grow and stay healthy. Human milk is full of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats. It also contains antibodies that help protect babies from illnesses.

Why Might Breastmilk Smell Metallic?

If you notice that your breastmilk smells metallic, you are not alone. Many mothers experience this change in the smell and taste of their milk. There are several reasons why breastmilk might smell metallic:

1. High Lipase in Breast Milk: Lipase is an enzyme found in breast milk. It helps break down fats, making the milk easier for babies to digest. Sometimes, breast milk can have high levels of lipase, which can change the smell and taste of the milk.
2. Lipase Activity: When lipase breaks down fats in milk, it produces fatty acids. These fatty acids can give the milk a soapy or metallic taste.
3. Excess Lipase: The metallic smell can become more noticeable if there is too much lipase in the milk.

How Does Lipase Affect Breastmilk?

Lipase plays an important role in breast milk. However, when lipase levels are high, it can lead to changes in the milk’s smell and taste:

• Soapy or Metallic Taste: High lipase can make the milk taste soapy or metallic, which might make some babies refuse to drink it.
• Soapy Smell: Along with the taste, the milk might also smell soapy.
• Metallic Smell: Sometimes, the milk can have a strong metallic smell, which can be off-putting for both the mother and the baby.

Freshly Pumped Milk vs. Stored Milk

The way you store your milk can also affect its smell and taste. Here’s how:

• Fresh Milk: Freshly pumped milk has just been expressed from the breast. It usually has the best taste and smell.
• Freshly Expressed Milk: Similar to fresh milk, this is milk that has been recently expressed. It retains most of its original taste and nutrients.
• Expressed Milk: This refers to milk pumped from the breast. It can be stored for later use.
• Human Milk: Another term for breastmilk, emphasizing its origin from the human body.
• Stored Breastmilk: This is milk kept in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.
• Frozen Milk: Milk that has been frozen to preserve it for longer periods.
• Previously Frozen Milk: Milk that has been frozen and thawed for use.
• Thawed Milk: Milk that was frozen and has been brought back to room temperature.

Factors Affecting Breastmilk Smell

Several factors can influence the smell and taste of breastmilk:

• Storage Time: The longer milk is stored, the more likely it is to develop changes in smell and taste.
• Milk Chilled: Keeping milk chilled helps preserve its freshness and can prevent changes in smell.
• Stored Milk: Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality of breast milk.
• Milk Changes: Over time, the composition of milk can change, affecting its smell and taste.
• Fat Soluble Nutrients: These nutrients are essential for a baby’s growth and are affected by lipase activity.
• Fatty Acids: When lipase breaks down fats, fatty acids are produced, which can alter the milk’s smell and taste.

Solutions for Mothers Experiencing Metallic Smell in Milk

If your breastmilk smells metallic, there are several steps you can take to improve its smell and taste:

1. Scalding Milk: It involves heating it to a specific temperature to deactivate lipase. This can help prevent the milk from developing a soapy or metallic taste.
2. Clean Pan: Always use a clean pan to heat milk. Residues from previous uses can affect the milk’s taste.
3. Bottle Warmer: A bottle warmer can gently heat the milk without overheating, preserving its taste and nutrients.
4. Storage Techniques: Proper storage is key. Store milk in clean containers and follow refrigeration and freezing guidelines.
5. Certified Lactation Consultant: Consulting a lactation expert can provide personalized advice and solutions for your breastfeeding journey.

Impact on Babies

The smell and taste of breastmilk can affect how babies respond to feeding:

• Babies’ Reaction to Taste and Smell: Some babies may refuse milk that tastes or smells soapy or metallic.
• Breastfed Babies: Exclusively, breastfed babies rely solely on breastmilk for nutrition and may be more sensitive to changes in milk taste and smell.
• Most Babies: While some babies might notice the change, most babies will still drink their milk without issue.
• Many Babies: If many babies refuse the milk, it might be time to consider the cause of the metallic smell.

Understanding High Lipase Milk

High lipase milk refers to breast milk with higher lipase enzyme levels. While lipase is beneficial for breaking down fats, too much can change the milk’s taste and smell.

• High Lipase Breast Milk: This term emphasizes the elevated lipase levels in the milk.
• High Lipase: Refers to the enzyme levels that are higher than usual.
• Lipase Activity: The process by which lipase breaks down fats in the milk.
• Excess Lipase: When there is more lipase than the milk needs, the taste and smell will change more strongly.

Freshly Expressed Milk vs. Frozen Milk

The state of the milk can influence its smell:

• Freshly Expressed Milk: Recently pumped milk that hasn’t been stored for long. It usually retains the best smell and taste.
• Frozen Milk: Milk that has been kept in the freezer. Freezing can preserve the milk but might also allow lipase to affect its taste when thawed.
• Previously Frozen Milk: Milk that was frozen and then thawed for use. It may have a different smell compared to fresh milk.
• Thawed Milk: Milk that has been returned to room temperature after being frozen. The thawing process can sometimes enhance the metallic smell.

Tips for Managing Metallic Smell in Breastmilk

Here are some practical tips to help manage the metallic smell in your breastmilk:

1. Store Milk Properly: Use clean, airtight containers to store milk. Label containers with the date to keep track of storage time.
2. Freeze Milk Quickly: Freeze milk soon after pumping to preserve its freshness and reduce lipase activity.
3. Use Fresh Milk When Possible: To enjoy the best taste and smell, try to use freshly expressed milk within a few hours.
4. Avoid Overheating: When warming milk, do so gently to prevent altering its taste.
5. Experiment with Storage Containers: Sometimes, switching to glass containers can help reduce metallic smells compared to plastic ones.
6. Limit Exposure to Air: Air can increase lipase activity. Fill storage containers to the top to minimize air space.
7. Rotate Milk Stock: Use older milk first to prevent it from sitting in storage for too long.

The Role of Fat in Breastmilk

Fat is an essential breastmilk component, providing energy and helping with brain development. However, fat content can also influence the taste and smell of the milk:

• Fat-Soluble Nutrients: These nutrients are crucial for a baby’s growth and are found in the fat portion of the milk.
• Fatty Acids: When lipase breaks down fats, fatty acids are released, which can change the milk’s flavor.
• Fat: The amount of fat in the milk can vary, affecting how the milk smells and tastes.

Understanding Milk Changes Over Time

Breastmilk is not static; it changes to meet your baby’s needs. These changes can also affect its smell and taste:

• Milk Changes: The composition of milk can shift, especially as your baby grows and their nutritional needs change.
• Longer Milk Storage: The longer milk is stored, the more likely it is to develop changes in smell and taste due to lipase activity.
• Milk Immediately After Pumping: Right after pumping, is fresh and usually has the best smell and taste.

Dealing with Soapy or Metallic Taste

If your milk tastes soapy or metallic, here are some ways to handle it:

1. Test Different Storage Times: Try using milk within shorter storage times to see if the taste improves.
2. Switch Storage Methods: Experiment with refrigeration or freezing to find what works best for your milk.
3. Use Scalded Milk: Scalding can deactivate excess lipase, improving the milk’s taste.
4. Consult a Professional: A certified lactation consultant can offer tailored guidance.

The Importance of Clean Storage

Keeping your storage containers and equipment clean is vital:

• Clean Pan: Always use a clean pan to warm milk. Residues from previous uses can affect the milk’s taste.
• Bottle Warmer: Regularly clean your bottle warmer to ensure it doesn’t introduce unwanted smells.

When to Seek Help

If you’re concerned about the smell or taste of your breastmilk, don’t hesitate to seek help:

• Certified Lactation Consultant: These professionals can provide expert advice and solutions.
• Talk to Your Doctor: If you notice significant changes in your milk, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider.

Reassuring Facts

Here are some reassuring facts about breastmilk and its changes:

• Perfectly Fine: Despite changes in smell and taste, the milk is still nutritious and beneficial for your baby.
• Many Babies: Most babies adapt to the changes in milk taste and continue to thrive.
• Few Hours: Sometimes, letting the milk sit for a few hours after pumping can help reduce the metallic smell.
• Stored Breastmilk: Properly stored milk remains safe and healthy for your baby.

Final Thoughts

Breastmilk is a vital part of your baby’s nutrition. Changes in its smell, such as a metallic scent, can be concerning. Understanding the role of lipase, proper storage techniques, and solutions like scalding milk can help manage these changes. Remember, your milk still provides essential nutrients and support for your baby, even if its smell changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does my breastmilk smell different? Changes in breast milk smell can be due to high lipase levels, storage time, or how the milk is heated.

2. Is it safe to feed my baby breastmilk that smells metallic? The milk is still safe and nutritious, even if it smells metallic. However, some babies might prefer the taste of fresh milk.

3. How can I reduce the metallic smell in my breast milk? Proper storage, scalding the milk, and using clean containers can help reduce the metallic smell.

4. Does high lipase affect the quality of breast milk? High lipase affects the taste and smell but does not reduce the milk’s nutritional quality.

5. When should I consult a lactation consultant? A lactation consultant can help if you’re concerned about changes in your milk or if your baby refuses to drink it.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a unique and personal experience. While changes in breastmilk smell, like a metallic scent, can be unexpected, understanding the causes and how to address them can make your journey smoother. Always remember that your milk is tailored to your baby’s needs and continues to provide essential nutrients and support for their growth and development.

Embrace the journey of motherhood, seek support when needed, and cherish the special bond breastfeeding creates between you and your baby.

References

https://www.fairhavenhealth.com/blogs/fairhaven-health-library/soapy-sour-metallic-tasting-breast-milk?srsltid=AfmBOooj0y4psUr4gf-4oZbREhhftBJPUvranXJSF0FrwzW1raMRuE8U

https://www.mahmee.com/articles/high-lipase-in-breast-milk

https://www.medela.com/en-us/breastfeeding-pumping/articles/pumping-tips/3-things-that-can-impact-breast-milk-taste-and-smell