What if breastmilk tastes salty? Breast milk contains a large volume of lactose, which gives it a surprising and unmistakable sweet taste. However, under certain circumstances, it can change its taste from sweet to very salty. Many mothers have noticed this, which can be a reason for worry.

Why does it happen?

The cells where human milk is made are lined up side by side. During pregnancy and the first days of a baby’s life, these cells stay separate before the mature milk comes in; then, when the mature breast milk comes in, they join together. However, under certain circumstances, these cells can separate from each other again. When this happens, “pathways” are created between them that are in contact with the blood vessels surrounding them. This is when the chloride and sodium concentration increases, giving breast milk a salty taste.

What are those circumstances?

This mainly happens at the beginning of lactation, when colostrum is still being produced, and mature milk has not yet come in. It also happens and is very noticeable during mastitis and, finally, when weaning.

I am not in any of those situations

Another possibility is that you are pregnant. When a breastfeeding woman becomes pregnant again, her breast milk rapidly changes in taste. Then, it is often her breastfeeding child who first senses that the mother is pregnant, even before she knows it herself. When breast milk becomes saltier, some children may refuse to breastfeed or, if they are older, they can might say that their milk tastes bad or salty.

Could it be a mother’s nutrition?

No, it is not because of a mother’s diet. Maternal diet has very little influence on the composition of her breast milk.

Is this milk harmful to the child?

No, it will never harm your baby. Some babies and children may refuse to breastfeed, but your breast milk will not harm them, and you don’t need to pump and dump or wait.

If the salty taste is caused by mastitis, your breast milk will return to its usual taste as it resolves. In the case of weaning, if a baby starts to breastfeed frequently again and the milk supply increases, then the taste will also return to normal.