Did Busui know that the taste of breast milk can change? These changes can occur due to many factors, ranging from daily habits to certain diseases. Check out the following article to find out what things can affect the taste of breast milk.
Generally, breast milk has a sweet taste that resembles milk almonds and the texture creamy. The sweetness of breast milk is influenced by the lactose content in it, while the texture is influenced by the fat content. However, over time, there can be additional flavors in breast milk.
Here are 7 things that can affect the taste of breast milk
Besides being sweet and creamyThe taste of breast milk is also influenced by the foods that Busui consumes on a daily basis, especially foods that taste or smell quite pungent.
So, when Busui eats healthy foods, such as certain fruits, vegetables, or spices, your little one can also feel the deliciousness of these foods.
In fact, if Busui regularly eats healthy food while giving exclusive breastfeeding, it will be easier for your little one to accept healthy complementary foods because they are used to the taste.
However, the taste of breast milk can also change due to certain factors. This change in the taste of breast milk makes the baby suckle less or even be reluctant to breastfeed. These factors are:
1. Hormones
Changes in hormone levels in the body, such as menstruation or getting pregnant again while breastfeeding, can affect the taste of breast milk. Busui doesn't need to worry because the milk produced is still safe to give to your little one as long as Busui's physical condition is healthy and not in a high-risk pregnancy.
2. Sports
Exercise while breastfeeding is recommended. However, if Busui is exercising too hard, the taste of breast milk may change, you know. These changes occur due to the buildup of lactic acid in the body and the salty taste of sweat in the breasts if Busui breastfeeds shortly after exercise.
To prevent changes in the taste of breast milk, Busui is advised to exercise with moderate or light intensity. Also, make sure Busui wipes sweat off the breasts before breastfeeding or expressing breast milk.
3. Cigarettes and alcoholic beverages
A study states that mothers who smoke during breastfeeding will produce breast milk with a taste and aroma that resembles cigarettes. In addition, the taste and aroma of breast milk can also change if Busui drinks alcoholic beverages.
To prevent this change in the taste of breast milk, Busui is recommended to stop smoking and not consume alcohol while breastfeeding. If this is difficult, try to avoid both for 2 hours before feeding the baby, to minimize changes in the taste of breast milk.
4. Medicines
Consumption of drugs from a doctor during breastfeeding is actually quite safe. However, antibiotics, such as metronidazole, can make breast milk taste bitter. Usually the baby will be fussy and reluctant to suckle when the mother takes this drug.
5. Breast infection
The taste of breast milk will change if Busui has a breast infection or mastitis. Breast milk produced in this condition will taste saltier and sharper. Even so, Busui can still breastfeed the little one even though he is experiencing mastitis.
However, the baby may refuse to feed from the infected breast. This condition needs to be treated with antibiotics, so Busui should consult a doctor
6. Frozen breast milk
Storing expressed breast milk by freezing it in freezer can sometimes change the smell and taste of breast milk when it is thawed. Busui does not need to worry, because this is quite natural, how come.
Breast milk contains lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fatty substances in milk to make it easier to digest and absorb by the baby's body. The activity of this enzyme will increase when breast milk is frozen and give rise to a sour taste and aroma like soap.
To reduce changes in taste, make sure Busui expresses, stores and thaws breast milk the right way.
7. Skin care products
The lotion, perfume, soap, oil, or ointment that Busui puts on the breast will give a different taste to the breast milk when your little one feeds directly. So, before breastfeeding, make sure to clean the nipple area first, yes.
There are various things that can affect the taste of breast milk. Most of the conditions above are actually quite safe and still allow breastfeeding mothers to provide breast milk to their babies. However, if your little one really doesn't want to breastfeed, immediately consult a doctor, okay?
