Baby Throwing Up After Drinking Frozen Breast Milk
As a breastfeeding mom, you want to provide the best nutrition for your baby. Many moms choose to pump and freeze their breast milk for future use. However, sometimes babies can have an adverse reaction to frozen breast milk. One common issue is baby throwing up after drinking frozen breast milk. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why this may happen and what you can do to prevent it.
Why Does My Baby Throw Up After Drinking Frozen Breast Milk?
There are a few reasons why your baby may be throwing up after consuming frozen breast milk. The first reason is that the milk may have gone bad. Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for up to six months, but it can still spoil if it is not stored properly or if it is exposed to high temperatures. If your baby drinks spoiled breast milk, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
The second reason why your baby may be throwing up after drinking frozen breast milk is that it may have a higher lipase content. Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down the fats in breast milk. Some women have higher levels of lipase in their breast milk, which can cause the milk to have a soapy or metallic taste and smell. This can be unpleasant for babies and can cause them to refuse to drink the milk or throw it up after consuming it.
The third reason why your baby may be throwing up after drinking frozen breast milk is that it may not be thawed properly. Breast milk should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator or by placing it in a bowl of warm water. If breast milk is thawed too quickly, it can separate and cause the fat to clump together, making it difficult for babies to digest. This can lead to vomiting and other digestive issues.
What Can I Do to Prevent My Baby from Throwing Up After Drinking Frozen Breast Milk?
If your baby has thrown up after drinking frozen breast milk, you should stop giving them the milk and contact your pediatrician. They can advise you on the best course of action and check to make sure that your baby is not suffering from any other health issues.
To prevent your baby from throwing up after drinking frozen breast milk, there are a few things that you can do. First, make sure that you are storing your breast milk properly. Breast milk should be stored in airtight containers in the back of the freezer, where the temperature is the most consistent. You should also label your breast milk with the date that it was pumped so that you can use it before it spoils.
If you have a high lipase content in your breast milk, you can scald it before freezing it. Scalding involves heating the milk to a high temperature for a short period of time to deactivate the lipase enzyme. This can help prevent the milk from developing a soapy or metallic taste and smell.
When thawing breast milk, make sure to do it slowly and gently. You can also swirl the milk gently to help redistribute the fat and make it easier for your baby to digest. If you are in a hurry, you can use a bottle warmer or place the milk in a bowl of warm water to speed up the process.
Conclusion
Breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby, but it can cause digestive issues if it is not stored or thawed properly. If your baby is throwing up after drinking frozen breast milk, it may be due to spoilage, high lipase content, or improper thawing. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help prevent your baby from experiencing these issues and ensure that they are getting the best nutrition possible.