How Scalding Breast Milk Can Prevent "Soapy" Aftertaste
Monday, July 27, 2009 at 8:20PM 
Having six weddings in the first few months of Abigail’s life, made pumping a necessity. I started when she was about a month old...and would stock up for each shower/wedding that was scheduled. I was thrilled she took a bottle the first time I presented it, followed by my husband, and even friends. However, it wasn’t long after when she started to fight it. She would make a face of disgust and would cry as the bottle was presented to her mouth. At first I thought she was just being stubborn, but soon realized she had a right to be. When I dipped my finger in the warm, bottled milk to do the taste-test, I too was turned off by what I describe as a “soapy” taste. I went into my freezer, thawed out another bag of milk, and found the same problem. So I did some research and discovered that some woman have high levels of lipase (an enzyme that breaks down the fat) in their milk. Apparently, there is something somewhere in the chilling/freezing/thawing process that causes the lipase to break down faster causing this umpleasant taste. Although is says it's not harmful to the baby, most refuse it. Even when I tried putting a bottle straight in the fridge after pumping...the chemistry changes within a few hours!
The solution: Now when I pump, I immediately put the milk into a saucepan and scald it. Meaning just hot enough that bubbles start to form around the edges but NOT boiling. The heat goes off and I rest the saucepan in a larger pan/bowl of cool water to bring the temp down enough so I can pour it into a freezer bag and into the freezer it goes. When someone is to use it for a feeding, it is taken directly from the freezer, brought to a warm temperature, and given. Since doing this method, which isn’t as time-consuming as it sounds, Abigail has not given any looks of disgust. She thinks bottles are a joke and won’t take them unless she’s is truly hungry, which is another story, but she knows she can eat if she needs to. Once she realizes I am not around, she will accept the bottle without the tears. Fortunately I am home with her often, and this is just my backup method. They say a baby will take a bottle if it's hungry enough. I just wonder at what cost to their taste-buds are they accepting the milk?
This method is also supported/recommended by the Le Leche Group League.
If you have any questions or similar experience, please post so others can benefit!
Why did no one tell me of this before?? I’m sure this happens to other woman. Here I am thinking if she’s hungry she’ll eat! But I felt pretty naïve to discover she was rejecting it for a reason. I’m just glad I found out why!
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Reader Comments (5)
We spent our first night away from Abigail this past Saturday night...due to a wedding for one of my husband's closet friend. The in-laws watched her and glad to say she didn't fuss with ANY of the bottles throughout the evening/night. The scalding has proved successful. I was concerned if I was heating it through enough but apparently am. What a relief and a sense of peace I can have knowing I'm leaving behind the best I can.
WOW!!! Reina told me about the website and I LOVE It. It was great to read about the feeding info and the pumped milk. I did not start feeding my 4 1/2 month old solids yet but was thinking about it and very curious. She is getting very interested in food but I am going to hold off until 6 months.
Had some questions for you.......
Has your little one started with teeth yet, I think my 41/2 month old is starting and not sure what to do!?
What is your feeding schedule? I am exclusively feeding my daughter breastmilk and just wanted to see if I was on the right track.
Do you find redness in her neck with all the folds?
How is the whole "shots" thing going?
Love your posts...Thanks, Peach
I will send you an email more in depth but just to touch upon some of your questions:
Abigail cut a tooth around 3 months on the side..but it's since been almost covered up. I think she is teething because everything is in her mouth and chewed...including her fingers. Then again she does not seem in pain...and puts everything in her mouth anyway? At first I thought she wanted my food...until I realized she was just as happy sucking on an empty glass and empty spoon. I think she just wants whatever is in reach..and always seems satisfied after nursing. So I feel good on that.
Feeding is somewhat on demand...I wait for her cues. Basically she eats every two hours or so when awake...and I also nurse her before putting her down for a nap and at night. As you know..if she's sleeping she's not eating...so it probably boils down to about 8 times a day...and then once in middle of the night. How about you? What does your schedule look like? How about sleep schedule?
Redness in her rolls...hmm sometimes but not enough that I am concerned. I do use a natural baby oil on her after her baths..except for her diaper area. I also notice she gets dry/chapped behind the ears so I dab a little vaseline there twice a week or so..and it helps a lot. I think it bothers me more than her.
Thanks for reading!!
My almost 5 month baby girl is getting so big. We had some firsts this week. She had been grabbing stuff and almost sitting up but still a little hunched over. She has rolled over but not that much. Should I be doing more tummy time? Thoughts on tummy time?
She just gets so frustrated with it sometimes.
Some other questions.....
When do you pump? Do you pump an hour after breast feeding or only when you are away from her? I pumped some bottles before and Sunny always takes them, no problems but now that I am heading back to work she may have to take 3 bottles in one day.......
Thoughts on pacifiers? I don't give her one because I just don't like them but I do permit people watching her to use them if they feel uncomfortable. I am not going to allow that after 6 months, is that silly? I just don't want it to inhibit her speech, etc. Cause for worry?
Thanks again for the great posts.
I can only say from experience of Abigail..she rolls often to get what she wants...especially a better view of our two cats...and doesn't seem to mind tummy time. I would think if you continue to make it fun..with new toys and interaction..she'll get used to it. At first Abigail was put out..but now enjoys it.
Abigail can sit up ( hunched over a bit as you say) for short periods..and then falls when distracted.
When I needed to stock up..I found I pumped best in the am after she woke..sometimes I even would let her get distracted if I was under time pressure ..and would pump after. I also could pump during a longer morning nap. The most I pumped a day was usually twice in the morning...since my supply decreased I felt towards evening. If she went for a long nap..I'd use the opportunity to pump!
Pacifiers..I don't really have a scientific perspective..haven't read up on them much. Abigail wouldn't take it...until the one time we took her to a wedding..and suddenly she allowed it in her mouth and it worked like a charm during ceremony..but haven't really used it since. I know they say they shouldn't have them past 15 months anyway. So to start a habit you have to break is your call. I do think though a constant pacifier in the mouth...can affect their incoming teeth...and even muscles of the mouth/shape. That's my just take though!