What does too much lipase mean? Should I accept this donor's milk for my DD?

[germin8]

Hello all.

Because I have a low milk supply, I've been using donor's milk for my DD.  Due to the low-supply of breast milk and/or high-demand for breast milk, I am having to make some decisions I didn't have to before.  For example.  Some donor's are on medication... so I still say no, unless it's a BCP or dom.  Other donor's have high lipase.  So, what shall I do... assuming they didn't scald it but just froze it.  What does it mean?  (I know that the lipase enzyme is the fat-digesting enzyme and changes the flavor of the milk... I'm guessing it's sorta like eating raw, living pineapple with walnuts... it doesn't work.)

Should I use it?  Is there a chance my 6.5 month old DD will reject it?

If I do use it, should I scald it once it's thawed?  While it's thawing will the enzyme activity be "working" and changing the flavor while it's thawing and before I get to scald it?

What do I need to know?  What do I need to do?

[PatioGardener]

Well, I have high lipase...  so here is what I know.  I only pump to mix my milk with DS's medications, and to make 'momsicles' for DS to munch on.  If I thaw my milk and let it sit more than 4-12 hours (depending on the bag) it becomes icky.  Like gaggingly gross tasting.  But DS will drink it if he gets it as soon as it has thawed.

And he doesn't mind the frozen cubes in a mesh feeder as a teething pop.

So, if I were you, I would take the milk, thaw quickly and feed immediately and see what happens.  Smell and taste the milk first - if it makes you gag (rancid) you know it's too far gone.  If it tastes soapy or has a metallic taste your daughter may do fine with it. 

Good luck!

[Asiago]

If it's through a milk bank I believe it is already pasteurized. However unless it is scalded soon after it's expressed it begins to turn within hours. Your baby may reject it as it tastes and smells funky once the lipase has begun to break down the fats. It's not rancid though and some babies do drink it apparently. In theory high lipase should be desirable (I would think) as it means the milk is highly digestible. 

Regarding scalding after it's thawed. I suppose if it doesn't smell or taste odd once thawed no need to scald, but likely by then it will smell 'off' and will be too late to scald it (as you had written). Can you try a batch and see how things go or do you have to commit to a large amount?

[germin8]

Thank you for the info.

Yes, I would think that highly digestible fat is desirable!

I was thinking of trying out a batch, but that would mean overnighting twice... and that would cost money. Bummer! The mother said that her earlier milk does not have as high lipase as her earlier milk. But, I'm not too excited about spending money on something that may not work. I'm still thinking about it though. Thanks.

[Asiago]

Mmmm, that's tough call and decision. Please let us know how everything turns out. Good luck.

[MamitaM]

where are you getting your milk? maybe you can find a more local donor via eats on feets. you can find them on facebook.

[germin8]

I've decided not to buy it.  And thanks MamitaM, but the supply is low or the demand is real high on EOF & MilkShare.  Time to buy.

[averlee]

Would you consider, possibly, using a wet nurse? I know it might sound weird. And I know it might seem like a weird idea to ask another lactating woman to feed your baby...But, many moms have oversupply, or well-established supply, and would be eager to help you & your baby. The main reason I ask is that with a wet nurse, there is no issue of freezing, shipping, thawing, lipase, or any of that. 

I had the wonderful opportunity to serve as a wet nurse for a dear mother and baby I know, and it was one of the most awesome things I've ever done for another person. It was also very good for both of us financially, since she paid me in cash donations (usually about $5-10 for a feed estimated 8-12 ounces, about a half hour's worth).