Fishy Smelling Breastmilk - What It Is and Why

"Why does my breast milk smell?"

Lactation consultants hear this question from pumping parents often. Parents may hear that the "typical" breast milk smell is mild, subtle, and perhaps slightly sweet/appealing. First, though, it's crucial to note that there is no single "typical" smell. In reality, the smell and taste of breast milk varies from person to person. The same individual's milk may even smell different over time due to factors such as diet. From garlic to spices to fruit, dietary components can cause breastmilk to take on a similar smell, and this is fine and normal. However, sometimes you may notice a smell with an unclear cause; for example, the milk might taste or smell fishy or soapy. First and foremost, we need to find out the why behind your breast milk smelling or tasting "off." It can be a storage issue, a lipase issue, or even a pump parts/cleaning issue!  

Pump Parts/Storage Possibilities

The first thing you should do if your breast milk smells or tastes funny is to make sure you are following all CDC and manufacturers' recommendations for pumping and storing breastmilk, as well as cleaning/sterilizing parts. Most of the time, washing all pump parts in hot soapy water and air drying after each use is your best option. If your baby is preterm or sick, you may also need to sterilize your parts frequently. (Our microwave sterilizer bags can help you do this conveniently.)

If a sink/water is not readily available, you can use breast pump wipes after a pump session until you can thoroughly wash all parts. Use storage containers that are specifically designed for storage of human milk.

Want more info? The CDC is a great resource for thorough cleaning instructions. If you're using Pumpin' Pal flanges, can also check our our guide on how to care for these products.  

Is it a Lipase Issue?

Some mothers have excess lipase activity in their breastmilk. Lipases are normal enzymes found in the milk that help your baby digest the breastmilk. Don’t worry, there is nothing wrong with your milk and you CAN still give it to your baby! However, if there is excess lipase activity in the milk, it can result in a fishy or soapy odor due to it breaking down the lipids (fats) found within it. This breast milk smell can cause some babies to refuse to drink the milk that has been expressed.

The rate at which this process occurs can vary widely from person to person. For some, it is as soon as 4-12 hours after expressing milk, while for others it can take days. Often, the issue is only noticed after freezing and thawing the breast milk. Lipase activity is not inhibited by cold temperatures, so it continues to break down lipids even in the freezer.

Fortunately, this does not mean the milk is ruined! Even if your milk has a fishy or soapy smell, it is still safe and beneficial to give to your baby. If your baby is refusing it, you can try a few things to help:

1. Mix half and half with freshly expressed milk.

2. Add 1 drop of alcohol-free vanilla to each bottle of breastmilk.

3. Scald the milk (more on this below).

Scalding Your Milk

Scalding breastmilk (heating to 180 degrees—just before the boiling point—when it is bubbling around the edges) will deactivate the lipase activity and restore normal smell and taste. Scalding is best done to fresh milk (not frozen), but you can also scald frozen milk if it is brought to room temperature first and fed to baby within 24 hours.

If you want to prevent the fishy/soapy breast milk smell in the first place, you can scald your fresh milk before placing it into the refrigerator/freezer.

How to Scald Breast Milk:

1. Place breast milk in a clean pan over low-to-medium heat on the stove.

2. Heat the milk just until it is bubbling around the edges (or 180 degrees).

3. Quickly remove from heat and place the pan in a bowl of ice water to cool it down.

4. Store the milk in appropriate breastmilk-safe storage bags.

Pumpin' Pal's milk storage bags, with built-in thermal sensor, are designed for safe and convenient storage.

Is It Worth The Work?

Absolutely! Your body makes milk specifically designed to meet your particular baby’s needs and adapts according to what your baby has been exposed to or requires in that moment. This and many other factors make it far superior to other milk. The World Health Organization states “Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses. Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life”.

Of course, breastfeeding can be an emotional journey. But you're not alone, and we're here to support you!

Need breastfeeding help? For professional support and advice, visit Rachel's Lactation Consulting.

   

Rachel Baggett, RN, BSN, IBCLC, is a professional lactation consultant who is dedicated to gently helping mothers and babies thrive in their breastfeeding journey.