High lipase milk is breast milk that has an unusually high level of lipase activity, an enzyme that breaks down the fats in breast milk. When lipase activity is excessively high, it breaks down the fats too quickly, which can lead to breast milk that tastes or smells soapy, metallic, or fishy. High lipase milk is not harmful to the baby, but some babies may refuse to drink it due to the change in taste or smell. Here are some key points to know about high lipase milk:

• Lipase is an enzyme found in all breast milk that helps babies digest fats and absorb essential nutrients.
• Excess lipase activity is not a sign that there is anything wrong with the milk or the mother producing it.
• High lipase milk can be detected by smelling or tasting the milk after it has been stored in the refrigerator or freezer for a period of time.
• High lipase milk can be managed by scalding the milk immediately after pumping to inactivate the lipase, adding alcohol-free vanilla extract to offset the taste and smell, or freezing the milk right away.
• Breast pump parts and storage containers should be kept clean and dry, and the milk should be refrigerated soon after pumping to prevent the development of high lipase milk.