Does My Breast Milk Taste Bad?
The taste of breast milk varies significantly from person to person and even from day to day. Many describe it as tasting somewhat like skim cow's milk, but this is subjective.
Several factors influence the taste and smell of breast milk:
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Lipase levels: High lipase content can lead to a soapy or metallic taste and smell. This is not harmful to the baby, though some babies may refuse milk with high lipase. Medela explains that lipase is a naturally occurring enzyme in breast milk.
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Diet: Your diet directly impacts your breast milk's flavor. Strong-tasting foods and drinks can alter the taste.
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Storage: Improper storage can affect the taste. Frozen breast milk can develop a rancid flavor over time due to the continued action of lipases. NCBI highlights this issue in frozen storage. Scalding the milk might help resolve some taste issues from high fat content. Reddit mentions this solution. Spoiled milk will have a sharp, sour smell and flavor. WebMD points this out.
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Freshness: Freshly expressed milk generally has a milder taste than stored milk.
If Your Breast Milk Tastes "Bad"
If you find your breast milk tastes unpleasant, consider the factors above. If the taste is due to high lipase, your baby may still drink it without issue. If your baby refuses it, consult a lactation consultant for advice. The taste might also indicate spoiled milk, which should be discarded.
